'Finding what works for me' - a qualitative study of factors influencing community gym participation for young adults with cerebral palsy.

Social involvement plays a critical role in positive participation experiences in community exercise settings for young adults with CP. Clinicians supporting exercise participation for this group should prioritise intervention strategies that promote social engagement and mental wellbeing. Collaboration between clinicians, community leisure organisations, and funding bodies may be essential to overcome logistical and financial barriers during the transition to adulthood. Implications for rehabilitationThe main factor influencing the attendance, involvement, and ongoing exercise preferences of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) was the social context of the participation experience.Altering the social environment through peer-mentoring can facilitate participation in the gym.Young adults with CP consider mental wellbeing to be an important motivator and outcome of gym-based exercise participation.Mental wellbeing should be prioritised for health promotion for this group.Collaboration between recreation organisations, health services, clinicians, and consumers to address logistical and financial factors can facilitate positive physical activity participation experiences in community settings.