Going to the gym and attending fitness classes is something many of us do multiple times a week or even every day. Even if you attend a group class or training session, it’s easy to become focused on your own fitness and forget about the needs of others. At NDB Fitness, we are working hard to make fitness more accessible for everyone, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD need to stay fit just like anybody else, but many gyms don’t understand or can’t accommodate their needs.
At NDB Fitness, we’re filling a gap left by other gyms. Here’s how we’re making fitness accessible to people with ASD.
Adapting and Individualizing Fitness Plans
Just as we would make an individual fitness plan for any client, we start by doing the same for our clients with ASD. We choose specific exercises that are easy to teach with visual cues and give people the sensory input they need. People with ASD also have different motor skills, so we focus on exercises that will help them build strength and muscle tone.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Many people with ASD struggle with sensory-related issues, so we focus on turning our gym into a sensory-friendly environment. We set aside time for ASD fitness instruction so we can control the noise levels and adjust the lights in the gym. Designating this time also allows us to move equipment and arrange the space to accommodate the exercises adapted for ASD individuals.
Including Visual Supports and Communication
People with ASD respond well to visual aids, such as visual schedules and nonverbal instructions. Not every person with ASD is nonverbal, but verbal communication is difficult for many. Learning from visual instructions is usually easier for people with ASD and helps them remember what they have already learned and what is coming next.
Collaborating with Families and Caregivers
People with ASD also have various levels of independence, and many rely on their families or caregivers for support. As we craft fitness programs for people with ASD, it is important for us to include their families and caregivers. That includes everything from communicating schedules to giving them tools to support their fitness goals at home.
NDB Fitness: Making Gyms Accessible for Everyone
At NDB Fitness, we believe that fitness is for everyone. While other gyms focus on selling as many memberships as possible, our focus is on ensuring that all our members reach their fitness goals. By adapting our fitness programs for people with ASD, we can extend that focus to as many people as possible.