“The Only Disability in Life is a Bad Attitude” | An Exploration of Inspiration Porn and the Role of the Exercise Professional

1 CEC

By Anna Burt, BA and Randi Lite, MA, FACSM, CEP, NBC-HWC

“Inspiration porn” includes the use of depictions of disabled people* to motivate non-disabled people to exercise. Though the depictions show fit and positive images of disabled people, disabled activists view them as dehumanizing and devoid of social context related to systemic injustice. The exercise professional is encouraged to follow guidelines in evaluating their own use of these images. 

*The authors have chosen to use identity-first language (“disabled person”) rather than person-first language (“person with a disability”) in this course. While we acknowledge the differing opinions surrounding which language to use, we have chosen identity-first language as we believe it better reflects disability as an important piece of an individual’s identity that one can claim in pride. 

This course is based on content initially published in ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal® from May - June 2024 and is offered as part of the ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®: May - June 2024 CEC Course Bundle. 

All course content will be presented to you electronically after your purchase. To earn your CECs, you must view the course content and pass the quiz (earning a 70% or better).  

This course expires one year (365 days) from the date of purchase. All course content must be completed prior to the expiration date. ACSM will not offer refunds, transfers or course credits for uncompleted courses prior to their expiration date, or for duplicate purchases. ACSM does not allow substitutions, refunds or credits for this course.  

For questions related to your online CEC courses or purchases, email onlinelearning@acsm.org. 

Keywords: disabled people, exercise professionals