SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) – A San Diego gym, Fitness is My Sickness (FIMS), is offering classes that are specifically geared toward the deaf and hard of hearing community.
According to FIMS, fitness has not been very accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, but its Sign & Sweat fitness classes aims at changing the San Diego fitness community by becoming more inclusive.
"It is fun with other signers. You have communication. You have signers. You are working out. You have support. You are mingling and it is a fun environment," said Alexander Matunine.
FIMS’ owner is Monique Allen and said she is excited about making her gym a place of inclusion.
“We had such a positive response from our first Sign and Sweat workshop, we decided to continue them, and we could not be more excited,” she said.
The workshop includes adaptive fitness classes including sign language, standard visual cues, and bass heavy music. Attendees have the opportunity to learn some simple sign language and instruction on how to incorporate the use of gestures, demos, and even facial expressions to encourage inclusiveness.
Monique said, “My Sickness Sign & Sweat Fitness Workshop is free to the public, and we welcome and encourage all levels and abilities to attend.”
"It is great. I can bring my kids. I can exercise and have peace of mind. It is a wonderful place," said Elena Matunine.
For more information about the gym, which is located in the College Area, or to sign up for a class, visit their website.