Answer :
The passage discusses the challenges faced by individuals with mobility problems when trying to exercise in gyms. Here is the text reorganized with the appropriate paragraph placements:
We live in an exercise-crazy society. Wherever you look, there are people trying to shape up and slim down. Gyms are cropping up all over the place. On the surface, they all look the same and may offer the same services. However, when you peel back the veneer, there are differences people should be aware of.
**(38)** "The biggest problem is the lack of knowledge and education," says one fitness expert. "There are very few gyms that have staff trained to deal with those with special needs. They'll sign you up but don't know how to help you. A further problem is the unsuitability of the building itself."
**(39)** The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) categorises gyms and fitness centres under the umbrella of places of public accommodation. They must follow the same rules and guidelines as those which apply to hotels and restaurants. For example, their shower facilities must be wheelchair accessible.
**(40)** Some owners of gyms try to find ways to alleviate this problem. "A number of our facilities are on two levels, but for whatever equipment we have on one level, there's usually a complement on the other level as well," says one owner. "No one has to go to the second level to use a piece of equipment."
**(41)** "The trouble is in the definition of the phrase," says the legal advisor of an organisation that represents 400 health clubs world-wide. "We don't have an easy checklist to determine compliance. It's hard to say what's reasonable for any particular facility."
**(42)** "The suggestion came from our participants," says the manager of a new fitness centre in New York City. "They wanted to find a place to work out and exercise. They've been trying to make use of city facilities but had found them inaccessible. We took the idea to some people we thought might be interested in funding the project."
**(43)** One such manufacturer says he's had a lot of difficulty trying to sell his equipment to gyms and fitness centres across the country. "There's a lot of red tape involved in selling to gyms. And they're really not interested in having this kind of equipment. They'd rather have their staff members help disabled clients. They disregard the issue because they don't have many members or potential members with disabilities."
**(44)** "What needs to be done is to educate the public and those who are working in gyms," says the manager of a gym in Venice, California. "We need to better understand the needs of this group. They don't have to stay away from health clubs; they don't have to stand out."
**A. Many gyms follow these rules, but some don't like the extra cost or hassle involved in making changes.**
Answer:
Explanation:
It seems like the passage discusses the challenges faced by people with mobility problems when accessing gyms and fitness centers. Here’s a summary and an explanation of the points covered:
Lack of Knowledge and Training: Many gyms lack staff who are trained to assist individuals with special needs. This lack of training can lead to poor support for those with mobility problems. Additionally, the physical layout of some gyms can be unsuitable for people with disabilities.
Legal Requirements: According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), gyms are considered places of public accommodation and must comply with accessibility guidelines similar to those for hotels and restaurants. This includes making facilities like showers wheelchair accessible.
Gym Owners’ Solutions: Some gym owners have made efforts to address accessibility issues. For example, they might ensure that all equipment is available on one level to avoid the need for users to navigate stairs.
Compliance Challenges: Determining what constitutes reasonable accessibility can be difficult, as there is no straightforward checklist for compliance. This can make it challenging for gyms to know how to meet all requirements.
Community-Inspired Solutions: In New York City, a new fitness center was developed in response to requests from the community who found existing facilities inaccessible. This project was funded based on the needs and suggestions of potential users.
Equipment Manufacturers’ Struggles: Manufacturers of accessible fitness equipment face challenges selling their products to gyms. Often, gyms are not interested in such equipment due to perceived lack of demand and red tape.
Need for Education: There is a call for better education for both the public and gym staff regarding the needs of people with disabilities. Understanding these needs can help integrate people with mobility issues into gym environments more effectively.
Answer to your specific question:
A. Many gyms follow these rules, but some don't.
This implies that while some gyms make the necessary accommodations to comply with accessibility laws and guidelines, others may not fully adhere to these standards.
