Community Corner
Autistic Teens Get in Shape at Sportime
Fitness center teams with the Genesis School to teach physical fitness and independence.
'Tis the season for fitness, and some local students are receiving the gift of exercise from the folks at
It's a special gift for some very special students. The fitness center has teamed up with the Genesis Outreach Autism Center in Bethpage to help develop the physical fitness of those with autism.
Genesis officials say while autism is generally looked at as a mental or behavioral issue, it can be a physical one as well, with students unable to participate in a traditional 'gym class' setting.
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"We feel there are a lot of individuals with autism that do not understand the importance of nutrition and health, they're not exercising, they're not very active," according to Genesis' Mary McDonald.
Genesis partnered with Sportime to develop an eight-week pilot program, and the inaugural class of students came in, ready to work - and work out - albeit with some hesitation.
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Consistency is key in the lives of those with autism, and exercising in a new setting with new instructors can be a daunting experience. Annie Broyles is the fitness director at Sportime, and says routine was a vital part of the program.
"We discovered that they learn very much the way we teach exercise, through repetition, through consistency," Broyles said.
Broyles says students were slowly introduced to the training staff, and shown the machines they'd be using. Little by little, fear gave way to fun, as the students got used to their new environment and workout regimen.
All muscle groups were addressed, and everything from weights to treadmills were utilized. Broyles says she sees a tremendous difference in the students in terms of coordination and confidence.
"They love to come here, to participate, and are pretty much staying on track, I'm quite impressed," she said.
Broyles says the skills learned at Sportime can carry over into the daily lives of those with autism. Perhaps they can accompany their parents to the gym, and not only watch, but work out alongside them. They can also become more independent around the house.
"They can learn to sit on the physio-ball and watch TV...they should be able to do a basic routine at home because we've done it enough with them," Broyles said.
Genesis (which also operates a school in Plainview) and Sportime plan to hold more fitness programs in the future, so what does the future hold for this group of physically fit students?
"They'll become more independent, and they'll enjoy it, which has been the biggest gain that we've had here," McDonald said. "Our hope is they'll continue to do it and do it beyond the class."
Health and independence...not a bad gift to receive at any time of year.