Epilepsy and using the gym

starbuck

My husband has been diagnosed with epilepsy and started meds at christmas. He hasn't had a seizure since. 
He was referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme and went for his first gym session today. He had a meeting with the instructor last week and I completely forgot to mention his epilepsy. I handed his notes in today and the instructor told him he had to leave as he couldn't use the gym equipment until he's been seizure free for 3 months. Confusingly he said if my husband had only had one seizure and nothing previously he could go back in two weeks if his g.p. said it was ok, but he's been having seizures for some time only we didn't recognise them as seizures. 
Is the leisure centre allowed to do this? We've never used a gym before so have no idea how they work. 

starbuck

Thankyou. Yes I think they are absence seizures. He often sees things that aren't there, like cartoon characters and giant insects 😪

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @starbuck

I believe this is a general safety issue to protect both your husband and the gym facility. 

Epilepsy Action have some great information about health and fitness. They have a section titled 'At The Gym' which says: 

If you have been seizure free for 12 months, you should be able to use any piece of gym equipment. If you are still at risk of having seizures, there may be equipment that you shouldn’t use, because it wouldn’t be safe for you or other people. You could discuss this with the staff at the gym and ask for a safety assessment.

They even have a section about epilepsy and your rights if you feel they may be unfair going forward. Hopefully this helps