Stroke of genius: Making fitness inclusive with a clever new rowing machine adaptor

Meet Brian Robitaille, a City fitness coordinator who developed an accessible rowing machine adaptor. Fitness should be fun for everyone. Unfortunately, when it comes to accessible gym equipment – for example, equipment for people who use wheelchairs – options are often limited and quite expensive. That’s why Brian Robitaille, a coordinator for the City of Ottawa’s fitness programs, took it upon himself to find a solution that would benefit clients with mobility challenges. Through collaboration with University of Ottawa engineering students, Brian developed an innovative adaptor that transforms the Concept II rowing machine into a wheelchair-accessible piece of equipment, now in use at the Jack Purcell Community Centre.  Brian’s journey to this project is as unique as the solution itself. With a professional background that spans software design, paramedicine, and fitness, Brian’s diverse experience informed the successful creation of the adaptor. “I joined the City in 1984 as a lifeguard back when I was in school for computer science,” Brian explained. “After a career in software design and then a few years as a paramedic, I transitioned back to the City as a fitness program coordinator. Honestly, it's probably the best fit for me, and I've been doing it almost 20 years now.”  The idea for the rowing machine adaptor started to grow as Brian was designing the fitness space at the Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata. He wanted to ensure the gym was inclusive and accessible for everyone, and when an opportunity to mentor uOttawa engineering students on a special project arose, the popular Concept II rower seemed like the perfect candidate for adaptation. “It was something that I had been pondering on—how could we make this piece of equipment that’s in every gym adaptable so that more people could use it? It just seemed obvious that we could improve it,” Brian said.  After several years of limited success, Brian mentored three groups of uOttawa students in the fall of 2023 to guide the development of the adaptor prototype. After working closely with Brian, a group of students visited the community centre and met with its clients, which proved to be a turning point in the project. “It really started to click when they came in and met people in the gym—they were inspired and motivated to make something that people could actually use,” Brian shared. The final prototype, developed by the third group of students, was a success and was donated to the gym, where it’s now making a positive impact.  For clients like Angie Mintz, the rowing machine adaptor has opened up new possibilities for fitness. Angie, who uses a wheelchair, is a regular at the Jack Purcell Community Centre’s weight room. She mostly uses specialized equipment that requires her to transfer out of her wheelchair. The new adaptor gives her the option to use the rowing machine without leaving her chair. “I love that I can just do it! It’s designed so that people in wheelchairs are not limited; you can just grab it and work out on the machine,” Angie said.  The adaptor is not only a game-changer in terms of accessibility, but it also offers a low-cost solution for adapting existing equipment. The Concept II rowing machine is found in all City fitness facilities, and the adaptor could transform any such machine for a much lower cost than buying specialized accessible equipment. “It’s another workout station for them, which has its own value as another option on the floor, another part of the whole fitness program,” Brian explained. “But just as important is the community aspect—we offer a gym that has adaptability and access, and that makes people feel good about coming to this space.”  Angie echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the supportive environment at the community centre. “This program is so good because the staff come into the gym and are ready to help us with whatever—I know them all by name. When I was in rehab they told me about this place, and I thank them for it because coming here is so nice—you get to know the other regular clients, and the staff are amazing and friendly,” she said.  Brian’s rowing machine adaptor is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community. By working together, Brian and the uOttawa students have created a solution that not only meets the physical needs of clients but also fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment. It’s a small but meaningful step toward making fitness accessible to everyone.  For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.