The inclusive gym where movement is for everyone

Once trust is built, a trainees’ confidence blooms

In Singapore, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s an essential movement shaping how people from all backgrounds are educated, supported, and empowered. From adaptive sports to inclusive arts programmes, accessibility is evolving, and so too are opportunities for connection and understanding.

According to a 2024 report by the Ministry of Education, around 35,500 students with special educational needs are enrolled in local schools, with nearly 80 per cent learning in mainstream classrooms. In addition, the Ministry of Social and Family Development reveals that persons with disabilities on the red dot are increasingly employed full-time, with various support available to meet different needs. Joshua Chan works on one of Singapore’s many initiatives that is giving back to society and supporting Persons with Special Needs (PWSN).

As a Volunteer and Executive Committee Member with NCSF Uplift (@ncsfuplift), and a Personal Trainer by profession, Joshua creates spaces for children and adults where movement builds not just muscle, but confidence, friendships, and joy. Read on.

How do you tailor your gym sessions?
I adapt my approach to suit each trainee. Those who are more independent train similarly to the general population, while others need additional guidance. For example, someone with a visual impairment might be guided around the gym by resting their hand on my shoulder. Trainees on the autism spectrum often thrive with routine – one of my regulars loves sticking to a structured plan, timing his rest between sets and even using a teddy bear for comfort. Before each session, trainers are briefed on individual needs, and we often keep the same pairings over several weeks to build familiarity and trust.

What exercises do you focus on?
Sessions last about 50 minutes and we start with a group warm-up before moving onto individual tailored programmes. The foundation is built on five key movements – squats, lat pulldowns, rows, overhead presses, and step-ups – though we adjust or add exercises where needed. We finish with a group plank. Some trainees can hold a plank for over a minute, even with a 10kg weight on their back, which is more impressive than some of my regular clients! People are often surprised by just how capable our trainees are when given the right environment and encouragement.

Josh doing a spot of compering at an NCSF event

What changes do you see in your trainees?
The improvements go far beyond muscle. Physically, trainees develop stronger cores, better posture, mobility, and overall functional ability, just like anyone who trains consistently. Many grow more confident and expressive as they start believing in what their bodies can achieve. Socially, the friendships formed with trainers and other trainees help them to flourish, and the gym becomes a place of belonging. We also see growth in emotional regulation and social skills. Trainers act as mentors, helping trainees to learn boundaries like respecting others’ space or equipment – lessons they can carry over into everyday life.

How important is the social side of sport in your work?
Huge. Exercise becomes a shared experience providing a safe, judgment-free space where trainees connect, communicate, and celebrate small wins together. They also learn discipline and emotional awareness: how to manage their inner world while engaging with the outer one.

What are some misconceptions about PWSN and fitness?
Many people underestimate what they’re capable of. Most of our trainees have the strength and ability to train; they just need a different style of guidance. This often means relying less on verbal instruction and more on visual cues or step-by-step frameworks. It takes patience, but warmth and empathy make all the difference. Every person deserves the chance to move, grow, and belong. Once trust is built, our trainees’ growth can be extraordinary.

How can parents or teachers help a child with additional needs to move more confidently?
Hold space for them, as we should for everyone. Forcing a child to do something when they’re not emotionally ready rarely works. The key is to be both firm and compassionate: acknowledge their feelings, but guide them gently towards action. One of my trainees trusts me deeply. When he shuts down, I’ll ask how he feels, then tell him it’s okay to take a few minutes to sit with his emotions. Later, when I check back, he’s often ready to continue. That emotional safety helps them build resilience and confidence.

How can society rethink fitness for PWSN?
If I could change one thing, it would be the idea that it’s somehow not for them. Fitness benefits everyone physiologically, psychologically, and socially. It’s not about avoiding exercise because of limitations, but embracing it through those limitations and discovering the potential that lies within.

Joshua with trainees and trainers at NCSF Uplift

What’s your dream for inclusive fitness in SG?
As well as expanding from our gym in Upper Payar Lebar Road to more locations in the North, South, East, and West of the island, I hope that we can live out NCSF Uplift’s mantra of fitness for all. I want people to see fitness isn’t a privilege – it’s for everyone.

Finally, what’s been your most memorable volunteer moment?
There’s one trainee who’s especially close to my heart. He’s always smiling, greeting everyone, and lifting the mood in the room. Even when he struggles emotionally, he works through it and comes back stronger. Every session ends with him asking for a photo together, and he’s become part of my life, while I’ve become part of his. He reminds me why I do this work.

Volunteer @NCSF Uplift here!
No formal qualifications needed – just familiarity with fitness and a passion for inclusion. Head to @ncsfuplift for details