The idea of going to the gym can feel daunting at the best of times — which is why we wanted our accessible gym to feel as welcoming as possible for anyone exercising with a spinal cord injury. We understand the importance of movement to rebuild confidence, restore strength, and reconnect you with your body. Whether you’re looking to regain strength, improve mobility, or simply rediscover your routine, our specialist team is here to help you make that happen — in a way that’s safe, supportive and energising.
Through our Partnership with award-winning charity, Rooprai Spinal Trust (RST), the ‘Back to the Gym Initiative’ (BGI) was born. A structured, personalised route back into exercise for people with SCI, with a focus on personal goals, boosting cardiovascular health and having fun whilst working hard.
What is the Back to the Gym Initiative?
Built specifically for individuals exercising with a spinal cord injury, the Back to the Gym Initiative supports people living with a SCI to work out in a specialised gym environment. Whether you’re weeks or years post-injury, the BGI is tailored to your unique needs, ability, and goals. With a very big thank you to RST, who sponsor these 6-session gym programmes, the BGI is free to those who want to get involved. You don’t need to be “rehab ready” — just ready to move again, with an appetite for challenge.
An Accessible Gym with Adaptive Equipment
Accessibility means more than just physical access — it means inclusive equipment, expert staff, and an environment that meets you where you are.
Participants in the Back to the Gym Initiative have access to:
- A 6-session gym programme, supported by physiotherapists, tailored specifically to your needs.
- An Accessible gym membership – Come down, work out and make the most of the space between sessions, and throughout the duration of your programme.
- The EasyStand Glider – This dynamic standing frame enables reciprocal movement of the arms and legs while fully supported in standing. It helps promote circulation, maintain bone density, and reduce spasticity.
- The MOTOmed Movement Trainer – A motorised cycling machine that can be used for passive, assisted, or active training. It’s ideal for those with reduced control, fatigue, or paralysis, and supports both upper and lower limb activity.
- Strength equipment with wheelchair access: All resistance machines are adaptable for use by clients with mobility aids, ensuring every user can engage exercise safely and effectively.
- Elasko – This freestanding bar system is designed for stretching and balance training. The variety of bars, rungs and side handles make it a fantastic piece of equipment for dynamic stretching.
- The SkiErg, free weights, boxing equipment and much, much more.
Real Stories: Sarah’s Return to the Gym
Sarah, one of our BGI participants, joined the programme six months after a long break from the gym. She had previously been one of our gym members but had a forced hiatus due to health complications. Here she shares her thoughts on the Back to the Gym Initiative.
‘The BGI initiative got me back in the gym at VIM after some time off due to medical issues. My initial consultation with Sarah focused on what I wanted to achieve and how this could be done over the 6 sessions. Sarah planned a great gym routine for me, focusing on my shoulders, lower back and general mobility in the wheelchair.
Having use of the PhysiTrack-app has really helped me target the right areas and held me accountable, allowing me to track my progress. The fact I could tailor the 6 sessions to my needs was fantastic. As much as I need strength work I also need calm and breath work so Sarah incorporated a yoga session too. Having been away from the gym for a while, BGI really encouraged me to get back to fitness in the right way with support from the amazing VIM staff too.’
Her journey included both use of the EasyStand Glider and work on dynamic balance. Today, she’s attending weekly sessions, progressing towards walking independently with the support of our neuro-rehab team.
Why Choose Vim Health?
We’re not your average gym, or physiotherapy centre for that matter. We sit proudly in the space between — offering a space to exercise for people with physical disabilities, ongoing community support, and intensive rehabilitation programmes, all under one roof.
Our gym is staffed by qualified physiotherapists and rehabilitation assistants, ensuring every session is meaningful and safe. Whether you’re exploring functional goals like transfers and mobility, or aiming to build back cardiovascular fitness, we’re here to guide your next chapter.
We also work closely with NHS healthcare professionals, case managers and charity partners like RST to ensure continuity of care, and regularly welcome referrals from consultants and neuro services.
Are you ready to take on the Back to the Gym Initiative?
If you or a loved one is living with a spinal cord injury and is ready to explore movement again, the Back to the Gym Initiative is a great place to start. Whether your focus is confidence, strength, or simply getting a sweat on, we’ll meet you where you are.
👉 Get in touch to register your interest in the BGI or to discuss your rehab goals
👉 Learn more about our accessible gym and neurorehabilitation services
