BY: Brittany Vallely
AUM’s Physical Education Program offers a new group fitness class for participants with intellectual disabilities. The class takes place at the AUM wellness center and begins with an obstacle course, followed by a variety of different activities with an emphasis of having fun. The class is a full body work out that focuses on cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, balance, and coordination.
Dr. Erin Reilly, a professor at AUM, helped develop the class with physical therapist Tiffany Higginbotham, and focused on activities that will help with reflex integration. “There is not a class like this one anywhere in the state of Alabama,” said Reilly. There are currently eight regular participants, seven of whom have Down syndrome, and range in age from 26 to 56. Angela Russell is the primary teacher of the class, but AUM also offers undergraduate and graduate kinesiology students to help instruct. “The class gives undergraduate and graduate students real-life experience,” said Russell.
Spencer Jones, a graduate student, wishes everyone could have the opportunity to witness the class because of the improvements they see in physical fitness, socialization, and self-confidence. “I understand the importance of health, physical activity, and wellness for ALL people. In my opinion, more emphasis should be placed on the lives of these individuals,” said Jones.
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The environment is a friendly space, where the instructors will guide the participants through each exercise. If a participants does not feel comfortable with an activity, the instructors will find alternatives to help keep them moving. “Teaching adapted exercises is the highlight of my week and I value the friendships I have made with class participants,” said Russell.
The class also includes physical education games to make each class different. Such as holding hands while standing in a circle and passing a hula hoop around. Another game is rolling a pair of large dice that decides one’s fate on which exercise they should do.
“Not only is this class important for physical fitness, but this group also provides opportunities for socialization,” said Russell.
The class meets for an hour and takes place every Thursday at 11:00 a.m.