In the wake of the Illawarra being placed under the microscope as an "unfit" region, Paul Harju shed light on how flaws in the fitness world are affecting residents with a disability. But identifying those shortcomings is only one piece of the puzzle. It may not lead to much change given what stands in the way.
As a T3 paraplegic, Harju has a unique perspective on the accessibility of fitness spaces in Wollongong. Before his near-fatal road accident in October 2012, he was a regular gym-goer, working in the mines and hitting the gym at least three or four times a week. But that all changed when he woke up without feeling from the chest down and was told his rehabilitation would be long.
"It affects every part of your life," Harju says, reflecting on the impact of his injury. "It wasn't until May 20 the following year that Harju was released from hospital. "Can't believe I'm getting out today," he'd posted to a recovery-dedicated Facebook page. "What a journey."
Now, Harju spends his time travelling across Australia while YouTubing, showing a perspective often missed by the able-bodied. He currently lives in Wollongong, and he's noticed a lack of outdoor space conducive for wheelchair users. Paths are uneven, hilly, and slanted, making it near-impossible to wheel himself more than 50 meters before being out of breath. And gyms? They're a complete no-go.
Commercial gyms offer none of the specialised equipment designed for wheelchair users. And while it locks Harju out of a big portion of the fitness world, he understands why. "It's not worth it to them," Harju said of gyms neglecting the pricey investment. "For sure, that would be great, but I understand why they don't."
"There's not many people like me getting around and the equipment is very specific, specialised and expensive. That's why they don't have it. It's just not feasible," he said. But what if it was feasible? What if gyms could invest in specialised equipment for wheelchair users? It would be a costly endeavor, with a single machine costing upwards of $25,000. Harju knows this from personal experience, when he considered installing a hand-powered stationary bike in his home, only to be quoted $29,500.
"It's not worth it to them," Harju said. "I understand why they don't."
In the meantime, Harju relies on his electric scooter to get around in Wollongong. While he understands the financial constraints that prevent gyms from investing in specialised equipment, he also sees the potential for change. "It's not worth it to them," he said. "But what if it was feasible? What if gyms could invest in specialised equipment for wheelchair users?"
Harju's story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing fitness spaces. It raises a deeper question: how can we create a more inclusive and accessible fitness world for everyone? In my opinion, the answer lies in a combination of financial investment, specialised equipment, and a shift in mindset. We need to challenge the notion that specialised equipment is too expensive and too niche, and instead embrace the potential for a more inclusive and accessible fitness world. Only then can we truly unlock the benefits of fitness for all.
