How a new Kansas City gym is prioritizing accessible fitness & wellness for all
When you walk into INCLŪSIV Wellness, a members-only gym nestled in the heart of Midtown Kansas City that’s redefining what access and belonging for all looks like in the fitness space, the interior immediately feels intentional.
That’s on purpose, founder Wesley Hamilton says.
The high and low tables sit side-by-side. There are bumper plates and iron plates at waist-height, for easy lifting for all. A lounge area that holds arranged plush seating. Black-and-white elegant design elements and bright accent colors that help guide members through the gym.
“We think about everybody,” Hamilton said.
“From the height of the tables to the colors on the walls, nothing is at the same level here. Our branding is black and white for people who are visually impaired, and we use bright colors like yellow so different areas are easier to see.”
More than a traditional fitness center, INCLŪSIV Wellness, which opened last fall, functions as a shared community space. Members can move between fitness workout equipment that includes adaptive options, a recovery room that was mapped out with all body types in mind and a co-working lounge filled with book options designed for focus and a calm space to work from on a busy day.
Designed with people of all abilities in mind, INCLŪSIV prioritizes adaptive equipment that supports both physical and mental wellness — especially for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
“We’re still learning, but we’re committed to creating a space that truly serves our community,” Hamilton said.
‘It’s about inclusion’
Hamilton, a Kansas City native, founded his nonprofit Disabled But Not Really in 2015 after sustaining a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed when he was shot in 2012. His personal journey inspired him to create spaces where people with disabilities — and their families — can prioritize wellness together.
It led him to open INCLŪSIV Wellness in October 2025, around the 10-year anniversary of Disabled But Not Really.
But the concept of the center came to him while he was on 21-hour bed rest in the hospital a decade ago, enduring complications from his spinal cord injury. The long-term goal now is to operate as a 24/7 gym, further expanding access for the Kansas City community.
“If I’m on a wheelchair treadmill, why can’t my mom be on a treadmill next to me?” Hamilton said. “This isn’t about separating people. It’s about inclusion.”
The gym features adaptive fitness equipment such as hand cycles for wheelchair users, NuStep and SciFit machines for those with limited mobility and bumper plates designed to be safer and easier to handle.
Equipment is intentionally placed lower for accessibility, allowing members to work out independently and safely.
“I wanted to create a space that I felt seen in and that didn’t create so many barriers,” said Hamilton, who also appeared on the popular “Queer Eye” Netflix series in 2019 when the reality show came through Kansas City.
“… As I grew in my career as a disabled person, I realized there were other spaces that didn’t see me as well.”
A space for community
Beyond fitness, INCLŪSIV Wellness also offers a recovery room, coworking space and lounge area designed to foster connection and community.
Members can use the coworking space without a gym membership and can take advantage of drop-in passes that are available for both fitness and workspace access.
A drop-in pass for the gym is $20 per day, with the option to purchase a 5-day drop in pass for $70. The co-working drop-in rate is $15 per day. The Access membership — which gives you full access to the fitness equipment and community space during regular business hours — is $60 per month. And the Access premium membership — which includes everything in Access, co-working space access, priority access to workshops and events and one-on-one support/recovery guidance — is $85 per month.
“Community programming is just as important as the workouts,” Hamilton said.
The gym recently hosted a spinal cord injury peer support group, along with free muscle therapy and recovery sessions with an occupational therapist that has over 20 years of experience. These events are led by experienced occupational therapists and provide both in-person and virtual access for those who need it.
“For me, this fills my soul, in so many ways,” Hamilton said.
“As long as we’re bringing value to the people of Kansas City, I’m grateful. I go home every day knowing we created something people feel like they belong in.”
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