How Orangetheory Fitness Makes getting Buff more accessible to this deaf gym Rat

Today’s more than Tax Day and Jackie Robinson Day. Today’s also National ASL Day.

National ASL Day is special for Jason Wagner. Wagner, who was born Deaf and raised in New York City, lives in Indiana with his wife Vanessa and their two children. Deeply involved with his community, Wagner serves on various boards and committees dedicated to advancing accessibility and advocacy for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Professionally, Wagner is a national sales director for Video Relay Services.

He’s also a gym rat, being a member of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF).

Originally joining OTF before the pandemic hit in 2020, Wagner went away for a few years before returning to the brand in August 2024. In a recent interview conducted over email, Wagner told me he’s always valued health and fitness—beyond OTF, Wagner enjoys running marathons, taking on endurance challenges, and more—and was “so glad” to come back to OTF. The gym, he said, has helped take his fitness journey to “a whole new level.” More pointedly, what’s most endearing about OTF to Wagner is how accessible the company has made it for him in order to participate as a Deaf person.

“Orangetheory stands out to me because of its structured format and visual coaching, which makes it more accessible for Deaf individuals like me,” Wagner said to me about what makes OTF stand out in his experiences. “For example, the OTconnect heart rate monitoring system offers real-time feedback, and the workout stations are straightforward and easy to follow. More importantly, Orangetheory makes me feel included. It’s a space where I can interact with others, challenge myself and feel part of a supportive community. I anticipated that communication might be a challenge at first, but in the same way this community has supported me through fitness, I’ve seen the coaches and staff also support me by learning and adapting—and that makes a huge difference. Orangetheory offers more than just a great workout by providing a sense of connection and encouragement that keeps me motivated to reach new goals.”

Wagner’s local OTF location has allowed him to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships, all of which have enriched his experience there. Navigating a group fitness environment for a Deaf person can be challenging, if not downright intimidating, but Wagner connected with a coach at OTF who had a background in speaking ASL. This made Wagner feel more at ease and included in the group. Likewise, Wagner connected with a fellow member named Rob, who also has a background in ASL. He grew up signing with his Deaf twin and provides interpretation for Wagner; the camaraderie has proven so strong that Wagner has introduced OTF to friends—and is even teaching ASL to coaches and other OTF members in an effort to fortify the bonds forged at the gym.

“I’ve also encouraged others in the Deaf community to try Orangetheory,” Wagner said of his evangelism of the company to newbies. “I truly believe it’s a great option for anyone looking for a structured, supportive workout environment.”

When asked about feedback, Wagner said staff at OTF has “always been open” to his comments and critiques. He’s suggested better accessibility by way of what he called “using clearer visual cues to ensuring staff understand Deaf communication needs.”

Looking towards the future, Wagner is hopeful more fitness spaces look to OTF and follow their lead in giving greater access to disabled people who want to get workouts in like anyone else. The importance of inclusion, Wagner told me, is crucial because everyone, regardless of one’s ability level, is entitled to “feel empowered to prioritize their health.” For his own personal sake, Wagner looks forward to “keep pushing my own limits by taking on more marathons and endurance challenges in the future.”

On its website, the purpose of National ASL Day is described as a time to “honor our unique heritage in ASL and open opportunities for our community through this holiday.” According to the California Commission on Disability Access, National ASL Day became officially recognized in the United States only recently, in 2019, after a congressional resolution by representatives Mark Takano (D-CA) and David Cicilline (D-RI). Furthermore, the Commission notes April 15th was chosen for National ASL Day to commemorate the anniversary of the 1817 opening of the American School for the Deaf.

“ASL is a tool for communication with its own grammar and cultural norms,” the Commission writes. “ASL Day honors the cultural diversity of Deaf communities and promotes understanding and inclusion for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.”