Ability Fitness Clinic

In Spring 2026, I worked with Meghan, a client in an adapted physical activity setting for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, during my Ability Fitness Clinic Class (KINE-P 410). Sessions typically included a cardio warm-up on the rowing machine or bike, followed by resistance training using dumbbells and machines, and then more engaging activities such as agility ladder drills, BOSU ball balance work, side shuffles, and medicine ball exercises. At the beginning of each session, we consistently used the rowing machine and bike for cardio, and we ended with a variety of stretches.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding the right balance between pushing Meghan to improve while still keeping the sessions enjoyable and motivating. I also had to adjust my communication style by simplifying instructions and demonstrating exercises to ensure she fully understood what to do.
Throughout the experience, I developed stronger coaching and communication skills. This experience helped me develop stronger coaching and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt workouts quickly based on her needs, energy level, and interests. I also improved at recognizing what she genuinely enjoyed versus what she didn’t find as engaging, which helped me plan better sessions. Overall, I learned that patience and encouragement are key when working in adapted physical activity settings. Meghan was great to work with. She was always entertaining, and I looked forward to every session and hearing about her week. She really became like a friend to me, and I truly enjoyed this experience. It was a meaningful and important opportunity that I’m glad I had.

Meghan and I receiving her “Client of the Week” certificate
This moment was to represent her hard work and consistency throughout the program and reflects the progress she made. She was the best and always worked as hard as she could.

Photos

Dance Warmup

This picture was taken in the dance room. During the final weeks of clinics, clients had the chance to enjoy a dance warm-up. Meghan and I participated in them and they were lots of fun!

Bike cardio challenge
Each week we completed 5 minutes on the bike, and Meghan often turned it into a friendly competition to beat my distance, which helped keep her motivated and engaged.

Rowing Sessions

Meghan and I on the rowing machines getting some work in, we did this for 5 minutes each week for cardio and she really enjoyed it.

Final Clinic Celebration

Meghan and I at the final clinic where we got to enjoy some pizza, reflect on the sessions, and celebrate her hard work with a certificate!

REFLECTION

My biggest takeaway from this experience is the importance of meeting people where they are. I realized that progress doesn’t always have to be big to matter. Small improvements can mean just as much, if not more, especially when they help build confidence over time. This experience reinforced that individuals with disabilities are highly capable and can achieve a lot when they are supported, encouraged, and given the right opportunities. It shifted my perspective to focus more on what someone can do rather than what they cannot. At the beginning of the semester, I lacked confidence and often questioned whether I was making the right decisions. Over time, I became more confident in my coaching abilities and more comfortable adapting workouts in the moment. At the beginning, I wasn’t always sure if I was doing the right things, but I got better at trusting myself and making adjustments when needed. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more creative in how I plan and adapt workouts.Another big thing I took away was how important building a relationship is. Meghan honestly felt more like a friend than just a client, and I think that made a big difference in how our sessions went. It made everything more enjoyable and helped build trust.

This experience connects directly to my future career in physical therapy. It provided hands-on experience working one-on-one, adapting exercises, and communicating effectively with a client. It reinforced the importance of patience, encouragement, and individualized care, which are skills that are essential in physical therapy. Overall, this experience helped me grow a lot and gave me a better idea of the kind of coach and professional I want to be.

Here are examples of exercises I incorporated throughout the semester to target strength, balance, coordination, and cardio :

Strength: Glute Bridges, Kettlebell Swings, Leg Extensions, Wall Sits, Sled Push

Balance/Coordination: Single Leg BOSU Ball Balance, Agility Ladder, Line Jumps, Side Shuffles

Functional/Power: Medicine Ball Pass, Medicine Ball Slams

Cardio: Rowing Machine, Bike

Activation: Resistance Band Walks