A new fitness app has been designed to empower people and cater to the needs of those with disabilities.
Founders of Ruby's Fitness App, Bronagh McNamara and Sinead Lynch, discovered there was a lack of specialised exercise and fitness programmes for young children and adults with learning disabilities.
Through fitness classes in their Derry-based business, Inclusively Fit, and now through Ruby's Fitness, these two women are aiming to make fitness more inclusive than ever.
Ruby's Fitness App has been dedicated to founder Sinead's late daughter Ruby after she passed away suddenly four years ago, aged seven.
Sinead said: "Ruby had Down Syndrome and was the shining star in our lives. She opened up a whole new magical world to us and taught us so much in her short life. She was the light of our lives and we want her light to shine on as we help people to lead their lives to the full.
"Ruby needed a lot of extra help to achieve the things we take for granted in everyday life. Seeing the joy we brought to her life as a family, has made me realise the need to help others like Ruby to achieve their full potential.”
"Ruby has been and always will be our inspiration and driving force behind all the work that we do. Our passion is continuing to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their goals, and experience that feel good factor exercise provides us all. We recognise the power of exercise, routine and play and the self-esteem and empowerment it provides."
The app is designed to be simple and effective to use for all those with both physical and learning disabilities. From the pandemic lockdowns, Sinead and Bronagh learnt that this community should never be put in a position again to feel isolated or out of routine. The app caters to the needs of those with a different variant of abilities.
Ruby's Fitness App provides fitness and healthy lifestyle opportunities for everyone to get involved in, alongside education for parents and carers.
Co-founders Sinead lynch and Bronagh McNamara who both have degrees in sports and leisure management and physical activity, sports exercise and health. Bronagh has dedicated the last 20 years working closely with children and those with disabilities, while Sinead carries a reputation of 20 years worth of experience as a personal trainer.
Bronagh said: "Over the past few years we have worked extensively in developing our ideas for an interactive, fun fitness app for anyone with a disability. Our intention is to create an app that is more visually appealing and user friendly to meet the needs of our community.
"We recognise that there are barriers for those with disabilities. For example, wanting to keep fit can consist of transport, money, linguistics and the disability itself. We are passionate about breaking these barriers, and being able to include everyone”.
Ruby's Fitness App launch will take place on Friday September 30 at 3.00pm in the AMP building within Ebrington Square.
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