- Gym membership websites
- Fitness tracking apps
- Virtual workout platforms
- Wellness coaching services
Fitness & Wellness Industry Accessibility Guide
Fitness and wellness businesses operate websites, mobile apps, and connected devices that must be accessible to users with disabilities. This guide covers accessibility and privacy requirements for gyms, fitness apps, and wellness platforms.
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Industry Scope
Digital Platforms
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Privacy Concerns
Sensitive Data
- Health and fitness data
- Biometric measurements
- Location tracking
- Payment information
Accessibility Requirements
Gym Websites
- Class Schedules: Accessible tables with proper headers
- Booking Systems: Keyboard-accessible reservation flows
- Facility Information: Descriptions of accessible equipment and facilities
- Membership Sign-up: Fully accessible forms with error handling
Fitness Apps
- Workout Instructions: Audio descriptions of exercises
- Timer Displays: Screen reader announcements for intervals
- Progress Charts: Text alternatives for visual data
- Video Workouts: Closed captions and audio descriptions
Connected Devices
- Accessible mobile app interfaces for wearables
- Audio feedback for heart rate and metrics
- High contrast display options
- Voice control compatibility
Privacy Compliance
Fitness businesses collect sensitive health data requiring careful privacy compliance:
| Data Type | Privacy Requirement |
|---|---|
| Health Metrics | Considered sensitive data - requires opt-in consent under most state laws |
| Biometric Data | Subject to BIPA (Illinois), CUBI (Texas), and similar state laws |
| Location Data | Precise geolocation is sensitive under CPRA, VCDPA, and others |
| Health Goals | May reveal health conditions - handle as sensitive data |
HIPAA Considerations
While most fitness apps are not covered by HIPAA, some wellness programs connected to healthcare may have HIPAA obligations. Consult with legal counsel regarding:
- Corporate wellness programs with health plan integration
- Fitness data shared with healthcare providers
- Medical device integrations
Implementation Checklist
- Caption all workout videos and tutorials
- Provide audio descriptions for visual exercises
- Ensure booking systems are keyboard accessible
- Implement robust privacy policy with health data disclosures
- Obtain explicit consent for health and biometric data
- Provide data deletion capabilities for all user data