A pioneering physical programme aims to ensure everyone experiences the empowering effects of physical fitness.<\/p>\n
Functional Adaptive Movement (FAM) classes blend fitness with connection for people living with a range of disabilities.<\/p>\n
The sessions include strength, co-ordination and endurance training as well as building balance, concentration, confidence, communication and life skills.<\/p>\n
The initiative is launching at the NRG Dunedin South Gym in June.<\/p>\n
Gym manager and trainer Henry King will be leading the classes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be the first gym in Otago to have it,\u201d Mr King said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is really big up in Auckland, so it will be exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
He will be following a 10-week regimen that has been developed to suit individuals of all ages facing various conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been proven to help with various points of your strength as well as your cardio, flexibility, your motor skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
The programme was also really good for the social aspect, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting them all together is just as important as the exercise, like the mental aspect of it as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
He planned to run regular weekly sessions for about 12 to 15 people, which would be flexible and develop over time based on the needs of the participants, Mr King said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are always improving and challenging themselves, basically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good for me as a coach having to adapt to so many different types of things at once.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr King will have the assistance of volunteers from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, such as physiotherapy students completing placements.<\/p>\n
It is anticipated there will be two options, an adult evening class and a daytime class for the school bracket.<\/p>\n
Otago Girls\u2019 High School pupil Poppy McConville, 19, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, tested the new programme last week.<\/p>\n
She was guided through exercises by Mr King and supported by her teacher aides Di Brenssell and Kate McCracken.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe more she keeps moving and practising, the better it is,\u201d Ms Brenssell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf she stops, the worse she gets and she gets cramped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo she\u2019s got to keep stretching out, using your brain to send those messages to your arms and legs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Poppy plans to document her progress on her Instagram account, rollinginstyle07.<\/p>\n
The FAM programme was devised by Michael Hynard, of Auckland.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe classes are designed in such a way to help foster independence, self-confidence, belief, but also touching on softer elements like social inclusion,\u201d Mr Hynard said.<\/p>\n
A primary focus is developing neurological skills such as balance, co-ordination, accuracy and agility.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest fear for most folk living with a disability is tripping and falling,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
It has been devised to help with a range of congenital, acquired, neurological and physical conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe youngest we have is 4, the oldest is 82.\u201d<\/p>\n
A series of free have-a-go sessions are being offered for the Dunedin launch.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is fun, inclusive and accessible,\u201d Mr Hynard said.<\/p>\n