We all have observed people with arthritis or other medical issues that make exercise painful, so they stop and end up sitting too much.

Once, having a physical disability meant you couldn’t do so many things, like use playground equipment. That’s why the Federal Way Rotary’s contribution of a wheelchair “merry-go-round” at Steel Lake Family Funland was such a good idea; it provided a way for kids in wheelchairs to participate with the others.

People who might not think they can exercise may find there are also opportunities for them at the Federal Way Community Center. Observe the recreation pool in the mornings and you will see people with leg problems or arthritis able to water-walk, letting the water’s buoyancy take some of the stress off of their sore joints and let them get some exercise.

This pool has one portion with a beach-like slope, so those who have problems walking can get into the water without using stairs or ladders. With correct equipment and proper preparation, even folks in wheelchairs can get in the pool, and the users have looked pretty happy when floating and swimming in the water. How freeing it must be for them to not have to rely on a wheelchair to move around.

Last week, I noticed that there was a brand new piece of equipment upstairs, an exercise machine with a wheelchair ramp. A few days later a sight-challenged man who needed a white cane to find his way around was riding a stationary bike after the weight room attendant told him how to use it. This sort of event negates any excuses you might have for not exercising.

I applaud the Federal Way Community Center’s work to ensure people with disabilities can use some, if not all of, the equipment and features there. I hope those who would like to get some exercise, or know people who might not ask for themselves, will contact the community center and see if they can be accommodated.

Margaret Nelson, Federal Way