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Anytime Fitness Launches ‘Any body, Any time’ Campaign 

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Anytime Fitness campaign

Global fitness company Anytime Fitness has a new goal of shifting its gym brand to be and feel more inclusive via a new campaign titled, ‘Any body, Any time’ 

Gyms have, for many, always been a rather intimidating place whether there is a disability at play or not; the mirrors, the confusing equipment and the awkward silent competitiveness. Challenges that disabled people face when wanting to work out in a gym go beyond this, a lot deeper, as much of the equipment can be out of bounds and there may also be access barriers too. Anytime Fitness’ new campaign ‘Any body, Any time’ champions inclusive fitness with a narrative that hones in on challenging the stereotypical representation of gym goers.

A brilliantly diverse range of people with different needs is showcased within the campaign video as they talk about the passionate reasons why they work out. As well as ethnic diversity, body positivity is featured heavily via a confident, beautiful plus-size woman totally rocking her tight gym wear. When it comes to disability representation there’s a wheelchair user featured absolutely smashing pull-ups and a prosthetic wearer standing tall and proud in a gym, as he should. 

Anytime Fitness campaign

© Anytime Fitness

The underlying message is that ‘healthy’ looks and feels different to everyone. Just because a person is thin doesn’t necessarily mean they are fulfilling their physical and mental health goals, fitness and health go way further than this and need to be looked at in a more holistic way where both mental and physical health is considered. Our minds and bodies work as one, not separately. And what a person looks like has absolutely nothing to do with how they are able to perform on a fitness level. 

This ad is all about representation, which matters hugely. People seeing themselves in brand campaigns, especially in spaces they are not usually featured, i.e. gyms have the ability to impact hugely on the disabled community. It also puts Anytime Fitness at the forefront of people’s minds in terms of being a brand that cares; cares about how it is showing up in the world and how it can utilise its global power and influence to create positive change. 

“From a brand perspective, this is more than just a marketing campaign,” says Anytime Fitness CMO Caitlin Bancroft. “Social inclusion is a major health determinant. It helps everyone feel more connected and valued, which in turn encourages them to lead healthier lives. It is our mission to lead the fitness industry in advocating inclusivity – by transforming our culture, environment and member experience.”

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5 Ways People With Disabilities Can Propel Your Business Brand to Success

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In the fast-paced and diverse business landscape of today, inclusivity holds the key to extraordinary achievements, going beyond being just a buzzword. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of individuals with disabilities, you have the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation in your business brand, setting it apart from the competition.

Below are five ways people with disabilities can become powerful catalysts for skyrocketing your business brand:

1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: People with disabilities bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation. Their diverse experiences and adaptive thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas that resonate with a broader audience, elevating your brand to new heights.

2. Cultivating Enhanced Customer Empathy: Employing individuals with disabilities fosters a deeper understanding of your customers’ diverse needs and preferences. This empathy fuels the development of products and services catering to a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting customer loyalty and enhancing your brand’s reputation.

3. Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: With a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities, creating authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns becomes second nature. Representation matters, and consumers connect more profoundly with a brand that embraces diversity and reflects the real world.

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4. Nurturing an Empowering Workplace Culture: Embracing diversity cultivates a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, respect, and open-mindedness. This welcoming environment attracts top talent, boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall success.

5. Making a Positive Social Impact: Actively promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities positions your business as a force for positive social change. Modern consumers appreciate brands that align with their values, and your commitment to empowering people with disabilities will garner genuine support and unwavering loyalty.

Integrating people with disabilities into your workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can propel your business brand to unprecedented heights. By leveraging their unique talents and perspectives, you have the potential to cultivate a brand that stands out, deeply connects with customers, and makes a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive society.

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Hansal Emmanuel: Defying Odds as a Disabled Basketball Star

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Hansel Enmanuel is a true embodiment of inspiration, defying all odds to excel. Not only is he a viral internet star, college student, and immigrant to the United States, but he also stands out as a Division I college basketball player, achieving all of this with only one arm.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Enmanuel faced a life-changing accident at the age of six, resulting in the loss of his left arm. Despite this setback, he refused to let it define him and discovered his passion for basketball. Moving to the United States at 16, with limited knowledge of English, presented another challenge, but he tackled it with unwavering determination.

As a tall and gifted athlete, Enmanuel’s talent for dunking caught attention during his high school days at the Life Christian Academy in Florida. His internet fame skyrocketed, amassing over 4 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined.

Though highly accomplished, doubts from college coaches initially clouded his path. However, he persisted, earning a place at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. His journey in Division I college basketball started with modest beginnings, but his dedication and hard work were evident in every practice and game.

On the court, Enmanuel’s unique sense of balance and tenacity set him apart from his teammates. His astounding rebound and dunk during a game against the University of Louisiana Monroe left the crowd in awe, but the humble athlete remained focused on his defensive responsibilities.

In the face of success and popularity, Enmanuel’s work ethic remained unshakable. He rejected any special treatment, choosing to be treated like any other teammate when it came to discipline and responsibilities.

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Despite not mapping out this extraordinary journey as a child, Hansel Enmanuel has become an inspiration to countless individuals around the world. Through perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding passion for basketball, he has proven that greatness knows no limitations. As his college career progresses, the attention he receives is bound to expand even further, allowing his story to reach and inspire even more people. 

Hansel Enmanuel’s tale is a reminder that with the right attitude and determination, anything is possible, and dreams can be achieved regardless of the challenges life throws our way.

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Disability campaigners lose legal fight over Grenfell recommendation

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Campaigners have faced a disappointing outcome in their High Court battle against the government’s decision not to implement evacuation plans for disabled residents living in high-rise buildings. The Claddag campaign group had hoped for a legal requirement to have escape plans in place for those who might face difficulties in safely evacuating during emergencies.

However, the government’s Home Office conducted a consultation and concluded that the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry would be excessively expensive and impractical to put into action. Instead, they are now exploring an alternative solution.

Back in October 2019, the chairman of the Grenfell Inquiry recommended a legal obligation for owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings to create “Peeps” (personal emergency evacuation plans) specifically tailored to residents with mobility issues or sensory impairments, such as visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments. 

This recommendation was prompted by the tragic Grenfell fire in June 2017, which claimed 72 lives, with 41% of the deceased being disabled residents of the tower. In response to the inquiry’s suggestions, the Home Office initiated a consultation to consider implementing the Peeps proposals. However, in May 2022, the government decided not to make Peeps a legal requirement, citing concerns about practicality and cost.

Claddag, an organisation founded by two disabled tower-block residents, Sarah Rennie and Georgie Hulme, contested this decision through a judicial review at the High Court in December. The government’s legal representative argued during the hearing that they were still consulting on the proposals, and a final decision had not yet been reached.

Recently, Mrs. Justice Stacey delivered her judgement, stating that the government had indeed decided against implementing the Peeps recommendation. However, she emphasised that the government had the right to make such a decision after carefully considering the fire-safety implications versus the associated costs.

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In response to the ruling, the founders of Claddag expressed their disappointment, accusing the government of putting financial concerns above the lives of disabled individuals and leaving them without a means of escape in high-rise buildings.

A Home Office spokesperson welcomed the court’s decision, explaining that it would allow them to move forward with plans to enhance the safety of residents who may have difficulties evacuating during emergencies. They are currently reviewing responses to a public consultation on Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing Plus, an alternative approach to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, to determine the best course of action to safeguard those who may struggle to self-evacuate.

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