INCLUSIVE FITNESS
Adults with intellectual challenges introduced to benefits of workouts
A new program involving University of Windsor students is helping adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities get fit.
Fit Together, which started in January 2017, is a partnership between Community Living Essex County and the Adapted Physical Exercise Research group at the university’s department of kinesiology. Since the free 12-week program started, more than 40 adults have taken the twice-a-week, 90-minute, one-on-one training sessions.
It is the first time in a gym for many participants, said program manager and kinesiology PhD candidate Kelly Carr. But after one session, they are often hooked.
“It is making a difference and we do track their health measures,” she said. “In strength there is definitely an improvement and with flexibility. For most there is usually a change in waist circumference and weight loss. The best part seems to be the enjoyment they find in exercise and sports and games. We have participants who leave our program and then go get a membership at a local fitness facility.”
Participants are supervised one-on-one by undergraduate and graduate students. The sessions include cardiovascular and strength training, as well as sports and games. Carr said she believes there is a strong need in the community for this type of program.
“From especially a recreation standpoint it’s very important,” Carr said. “We have a fitness facility that is accessible and completely inclusive so participants are coming in, and they are exercising next to the undergraduates that are also exercising there.”
Nancy Wallace-Gero, executive director of Community Living Essex County, said the program is important because it’s aimed at people who typically wouldn’t be involved in health and wellness programs. Some participants live on fixed incomes, so gym memberships are out of their financial reach.
“We found that people who are participating in the program are not only developing good lifestyle habits, a desire to stay fit and eat well and take better care of themselves, but they are developing commitment and self-confidence along with a sense of self-esteem and pride,” said Wallace-Gero. “This is what the program does for them.”
Fit Together received an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $165,000 to cover its costs through to the end of 2019. The first session is just wrapping up with the next slated to run in early January.
“I can’t say enough about the partnership and the benefits,” Wallace-Gero said. “Also, it’s amazing to see the energy, commitment and dedication of each of the students involved and the relationship they are developing with the participants is really phenomenal.”
Anyone interested in the January session can contact Carr through her email address: kcarr@communitylivingessex.org. Participants must be 18 years or older, and have an autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability.