Adaptive Athlete Experience

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1. Ask what I need- don’t assume. It’s super easy to see an athlete and automatically assume what they can and can’t do. I always say the best way to start with a new athlete is to humble yourself and ask THEM the questions. Don’t assume the answers.

2. Coach the athlete- not the disability. The default should be this person can train hard. Not train hard for someone with one leg. Keep the standards, keep the intensity, keep it safe. Just like any other athlete.

3. Adaptive doesn’t mean easy- the workouts are still brutal. If you coach your athlete well, they will have the same stimulus as the rest of the class. They did not do an easier workout. They adapted where necessary and reached the stimulus. Adapting is not scaling!

4. Accessibility is equipment, not charity. This is the start. Is your gym accessible? Can wheelchairs, knee scooters, crutches, blind- anyone be able to navigate through your gym safely? Do you have any type of adaptive equipment for someone who might need it? (Mono rope for upper extremity, split multi ropes for seated, hooks on the ski erg, etc).

5. Inclusion makes every member better. This includes coaches. Coaches are learning how to legitimately understand movement when building an inclusive environment. Members are learning that there really aren’t many excuses. Overall, inclusion is making the gym better.

These are all things that we dive deeper into with the Adaptive Athlete Experience. If you are interested in this for your gym, coaches, members, etc- message us today!