SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 05, 2024 – The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against LA Fitness, alleging the fitness giant violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to maintain accessible facilities for members with disabilities. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, specifically cites inoperable pool lifts and broken elevators at LA Fitness locations, preventing members with disabilities from accessing essential gym facilities.
The Justice Department's filing highlights the experiences of several individuals impacted by these accessibility issues. One individual, identified as "Patron A," who lives with multiple sclerosis, reportedly encountered repeated instances of malfunctioning pool lifts. “Even when a pool lift appears to be working, Patron A has experienced being stuck and dangling over the water, requiring assistance from LA Fitness employees to exit the pool, and being unable to use the pool,” the department alleges.
Despite receiving complaints from members, the lawsuit claims that LA Fitness failed to address these accessibility issues within a reasonable timeframe. The Justice Department is now seeking a court order to compel LA Fitness to make its facilities and equipment fully accessible, in addition to monetary damages.
"Access to physical fitness activity is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of all Americans, including those with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “For over 30 years, the ADA has prohibited gyms and fitness clubs like LA Fitness from denying patrons with disabilities the opportunity to use and enjoy facilities enjoyed by patrons without disabilities. Through this lawsuit, the Justice Department seeks to eliminate LA Fitness’s discriminatory barriers and ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to fully participate at their local LA Fitness gym and fitness clubs.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that ensuring accessibility is a fundamental aspect of protecting civil rights. “Our office is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to public accommodations by enforcing the protections afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Estrada said. “When we support those with disabilities, our entire community benefits.”
This lawsuit comes at a time when LA Fitness, owned by parent company Fitness International, is undergoing significant expansion. Earlier this year, Fitness International acquired XSport Fitness with the intention of rebranding those clubs under one of its existing brands.
Industry Trends Towards Inclusivity
While LA Fitness faces these legal challenges, other players in the fitness industry are demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
- Linn Lowes, a personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur, recently launched "Body Temple," a new six-week fitness challenge designed to push participants beyond their limits. Lowes, who founded the women's fitness app Athli, emphasized the program's focus on breaking barriers: “This plan is all about breaking through barriers,” Athli founder and lead trainer Linn Lowes explained. “It’s not about staying comfortable; it’s about pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible. Whether you’re looking to build lean muscle, target glutes, or boost overall fitness, Body Temple will keep your body guessing and growing.”
- Club Pilates, a popular boutique fitness franchise, is expanding its reach into Mexico. This move aligns with a broader trend of Pilates gaining popularity in the fitness world. “Its star power is huge right now,” said Les Mills CEO Sean Turner, commenting on the growing appeal of Pilates.
These examples highlight a growing awareness within the fitness industry of the importance of catering to diverse needs and abilities. As the Justice Department's lawsuit against LA Fitness demonstrates, companies that fail to prioritize accessibility for all individuals risk facing legal repercussions and damage to their reputation.