Fitness Programs

As the ideal fitness opportunity for those who benefit from one-on-one support, the Adaptive Fitness Classes are an opportunity for members to receive a personalized structured workout that is curated for their unique needs, abilities, and goals. Working one-one-one with an Ability Center coach, all of whom are volunteers and are either a certified personal trainer or a registered nurse, members receive the fitness instruction they need, while also having the opportunity to build a mentoring relationship with a motivating and encouraging coach. 

Throughout the one-on-one sessions, coaches are able to modify the workouts based not only on the physical needs of the member, but also based on the individual’s level of engagement during the session. Offered seven days a wek, the Adaptive Fitness Classes are ideal for the members who feel more comfortable being in an individual fitness setting. Members who especially benefit from the Adaptive Fitness Classes include those who feel uncomfortable in social settings, have severe physical disabilities, or those members who are nonverbal.

Focusing on weights and cardio and serving 2-4 members per class, the Small Group Circuit Training Program currently meets for one hour, three times a week. Taking place in the Ability Center’s sensory gym, members benefit from the unique gym experience, which includes fun lighting, costumes, and imaginative backdrops. Through this sensory experience members are introduced to unique ways to enjoy exercising while also becoming more confident in handling changes in their environment. Taking place in the Ability Center’s sensory gym, the circuit training program consists of varied weight training and cardio exercises. In addition to working on weight management, the Ability Center’s circuit classes also focus on refining fine motor skills and body awareness. Beyond physical activity, the Small Group Circuit Training Program gives members the chance to interact with their peers. 

Through this social experience members are able to build friendships as well as gain skills and confidence in everyday social activities. This development and refinement of social skills is further supported by the coaches of the Ability Center. Throughout the class each member is paired one-on-one with a coach for the duration of the class. One-on-one attention allows coaches to build a mentoring relationship with the members, while simultaneously guiding members through the exercises and helping members make any modifications to their workout, as needed. This attention helps every member be successful with their workout, while also receiving mentoring, support, and encouragement from their own personal trainer.

For those members who thrive in a group setting, the Ability Center’s Themed Fitness Classes are an engaging and social fitness focused opportunity. Offering karate and a hip-hop themed dance class, the Themed Fitness Classes invite members to participate in a sensory workout that gives them the opportunity to enjoy their movement; grow in their confidence in being in a dynamic, changing environment; as well as be in the company of their peers. With the success of our group fitness program, The Ability Center will be adding a cheerleading and basketball in the Fall of 2022.