Finding Fitness Fun: Motivating People with ASD to Exercise

 

Understanding Sensory Needs and Gym Environments:

 

• • Sensory Sensitivities: Bright lights, loud music, or crowded gyms can be overwhelming. Talk to the gym staff about quieter times or areas. Consider noise-canceling headphones, or using the gym during off-peak hours.

• • Navigating the Gym: The unfamiliar layout and equipment can be intimidating. Do a trial run beforehand to explore the gym in a relaxed setting. Explain the function of different machines and areas.

Making Gyms Accessible for ASD Clients:

 

• • Develop a Comfort Routine: Start with exercises in a familiar area of the gym, gradually venturing out as your client adjusts.

• • Visual Aids: Create a visual schedule with pictures of exercises your client will be doing at the gym. This provides a sense of predictability.

• • Consider Personal Training: A personal trainer can create a customized program that caters to your client’s needs and preferences. They can also provide guidance and support in a familiar environment.

Traditional Gyms vs. Alternative Options:

 

• • Gradual Exposure: If a traditional gym feels overwhelming initially, consider alternative options like sensory-friendly gyms or home workouts. Gradually introduce the traditional gym environment as your client feels more comfortable.

Tracking Progress and Improvement:

 

• • Celebrate Milestones! Achievement is a powerful motivator! Track your client’s progress, no matter how small.Did they jog for an extra minute this week? Could they hold a squat for a few seconds longer? Acknowledge and celebrate these milestones to keep them engaged.

• • Set Realistic Goals: Work with your client to set small, achievable goals that gradually increase in difficulty.This will help them feel a sense of accomplishment and promote continued progress.

• • Data Tracking (Optional): Some clients find data tracking motivating. Explore tools or methods that resonate with your client, like a sticker chart or a simple notebook to track reps or time.

Positive Reinforcement and Communication:

 

• • Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate even small achievements, especially when your client ventures outside their comfort zone at the gym. This reinforces positive associations with the gym environment.

• • Open Communication: Talk openly about your client’s likes and dislikes regarding exercise and their comfort level with the gym environment. Modify routines to accommodate preferences and anxieties.

Exercise Ideas for ASD Clients:

 

• • Individualized Activities: Explore options at the gym that suit your client’s interests. This could be weightlifting, swimming, using cardio machines, or attending adapted group fitness classes.

• • Sensory-Friendly Gyms: Some gyms cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities. Look for these options in your area.

• • Home-Based Workouts: Online exercise videos, bodyweight exercises, or dance routines can be done at home for added comfort.

NDIS Participant and Parent Tips:

 

• • Discuss Goals with Support Workers: Talk to your support worker about your exercise goals, sensory preferences, and comfort level with gyms.

• • Explore Funding Options: NDIS funding may cover gym memberships, personal training, or specialized programs. Discuss these options with your NDIS coordinator.

Remember:

The key is to make exercise a fun and positive experience for your ASD client. Patience, creativity, and focusing on their preferences will go a long way in establishing a healthy and enjoyable fitness routine, whether at home, in a traditional gym, or a specialized setting.