Functional Adaptive Movement (FAM) classes blend fitness with connection for people living with a range of disabilities.
The sessions include strength, co-ordination and endurance training as well as building balance, concentration, confidence, communication and life skills.
The initiative is launching at the NRG Dunedin South Gym in June.
Gym manager and trainer Henry King will be leading the classes.
“We will be the first gym in Otago to have it,” Mr King said.
“It is really big up in Auckland, so it will be exciting.”
He will be following a 10-week regimen that has been developed to suit individuals of all ages facing various conditions.
“It has been proven to help with various points of your strength as well as your cardio, flexibility, your motor skills.”
The programme was also really good for the social aspect, he said.
“Getting them all together is just as important as the exercise, like the mental aspect of it as well.”
“They are always improving and challenging themselves, basically.
“It’s good for me as a coach having to adapt to so many different types of things at once.”
Mr King will have the assistance of volunteers from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, such as physiotherapy students completing placements.
It is anticipated there will be two options, an adult evening class and a daytime class for the school bracket.
Otago Girls’ High School pupil Poppy McConville, 19, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, tested the new programme last week.
She was guided through exercises by Mr King and supported by her teacher aides Di Brenssell and Kate McCracken.
“The more she keeps moving and practising, the better it is,” Ms Brenssell said.
“If she stops, the worse she gets and she gets cramped up.
“So she’s got to keep stretching out, using your brain to send those messages to your arms and legs.”
Poppy plans to document her progress on her Instagram account, rollinginstyle07.
The FAM programme was devised by Michael Hynard, of Auckland.
He founded the initiative after struggling to find exercise options for his daughter, Siobhan, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 1996 at only 1 year old.
“The classes are designed in such a way to help foster independence, self-confidence, belief, but also touching on softer elements like social inclusion,” Mr Hynard said.
A primary focus is developing neurological skills such as balance, co-ordination, accuracy and agility.
“The biggest fear for most folk living with a disability is tripping and falling,” he said.
It has been devised to help with a range of congenital, acquired, neurological and physical conditions.
“The youngest we have is 4, the oldest is 82.”
A series of free have-a-go sessions are being offered for the Dunedin launch.
“It is fun, inclusive and accessible,” Mr Hynard said.
Free FAM sessions
Monday, June 8 at 11.30am (school age group)
Tuesday, June 9 at noon or at 4pm (any age group).
To book or for more information, email dunedinsouth@nrggym.co.nz
