Occupational Therapy-Based Fitness for Teens & Young Adults with Unique Abilities

Traditional fitness programs aren't designed for everyone.

For teens and young adults with disabilities, walking into a gym or joining a typical fitness class can feel overwhelming. Exercises may need to be adapted, instructions may need to be simplified, and participants may benefit from additional encouragement, repetition, or individualized support.

Adaptive Fitness brings individualized fitness directly to your home.

Led by a licensed occupational therapist, our program creates a supportive environment where teens and young adults with disabilities can build strength, improve coordination, increase endurance, and develop confidence through movement.

The program is individualized to each participant's abilities, interests, and goals.

Goals of Adaptive Fitness

Build strength

Develop the physical strength needed to participate in exercise and everyday activities

develop confidence

Create opportunities for participants to experience success, challenge themselves, and recognize their abilities.

improve coordination

Practice controlled, purposeful movement through boxing, strength exercises, and games.

foster independence

Help participants gradually take more ownership of their fitness routine.

increase endurance

Build the ability to participate in physical activity for longer periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adaptive Fitness occupational therapy?

No. Adaptive Fitness is a fitness program and does not replace skilled occupational therapy. The program is led by an occupational therapist because of their experience with adapting activities, teaching movement, and supporting participation for individuals with disabilities.

Is this personal training?

Adaptive Fitness shares some similarities with personal training because participants receive individualized exercise instruction. However, the program is specifically designed for teens and young adults with disabilities who may benefit from adaptations, additional instruction, and a more individualized approach to fitness. The goal isn't simply to make a workout harder. The goal is to make fitness accessible and meaningful to the individual.

Does my child need to be athletic?

Absolutely not. Adaptive Fitness is designed for a wide range of abilities. Participants do not need prior boxing or fitness experience. Exercises are selected and adapted based on the participant's current abilities.

Is boxing required?

No. Boxing is one of our most popular activities because it is a fun way to work on strength, coordination, endurance, balance, and motor planning. However, participants may also participate in strength training, cardio, balance activities, coordination activities, functional fitness, and games. Adaptive Fitness is not limited to boxing!

Will parents need to participate?

Parents may be involved to whatever extent is appropriate for the participant. Some participants may benefit from a parent helping with setup, encouragement, or safety. Others may be able to participate independently with the therapist. One of our goals is to help participants become increasingly independent in their fitness routine whenever appropriate.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions are provided in the family's home. Depending on the available space and the participant's goals, activities may take place in a living room, garage, driveway, backyard, or other appropriate area.

How often should my child participate?

The standard program is one 60-minute session per week for 12 weeks. Some participants may benefit from additional fitness opportunities between sessions. We can provide recommendations for activities that families can incorporate into their weekly routine.

What equipment do we need?

You don't need to have a home gym! We bring appropriate portable equipment based on the participant's program.

Depending on the activities, equipment may include:

Boxing equipment
Resistance bands
Dumbbells
Medicine balls
Cones
Balance equipment
Exercise mats
Step platforms
Other adaptive fitness equipment

We can also incorporate safe household items when appropriate.

Can my child participate if they have never exercised before?

Yes. In fact, developing a positive relationship with movement and exercise is one of the reasons Adaptive Fitness was created. We start where the participant is and build from there.

Can Adaptive Fitness be used with FES-UA?

Adaptive Fitness is offered as a fitness class/service and has been connected with Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA).

Families should confirm their individual eligibility, available funds, and current purchasing requirements through Step Up For Students before beginning services.