Sweat, strength and success for inclusive Sunshine Coast gym program

The Activated Abilities gym program has been specially designed to combat some of the health challenges faced by people with Down Syndrome.

“Getting into a gym for anyone can be a really daunting experience. Especially if they haven’t been in one before,” explains trainer Georga Sutton.

“So we’ve created a safe and supportive environment where they’re free to express themselves and they’re not stuck to a regimented exercise program.”

The flexible and commitment-free classes are held three times a week in Maroochydore by personal trainers with disability skill set qualifications.

“Most of the exercises are basic, lifestyle movements. Things you need to get through the day. So squats, push ups and things like that to get them moving around for an hour of the day,” explains Georga.

Trainers cater exercises for each participant’s physical ability to help them build their capacity and confidence.

“The barriers are broken down almost instantaneously because they’re all working on different things they all find challenging. And they build a real comradery amongst each other,” says FITCare’s Business Development Manager, Chris Thompson.

The Activated Abilities program takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, empowering participants to make healthier choices every day.

“It’s about getting them motivated. Motivation is a big thing for people with Down Syndrome. And it’s also about educating them around different types of exercise they can enjoy, their diet and how it all fits together,” says Chris.

The Activated Abilities Program was developed by FITCare on the Sunshine Coast using funding from our ActiveKIT initiative.

“We’ve been very fortunate to receive that from the State Government, and so have the people with Down Syndrome to get access to facilities like this. They wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of ActiveKit,” says Chris.

The program has been a resounding success with dozens of Sunshine Coast locals enjoying the program every week.

“The feedback’s been incredibly positive. They really enjoy it. And the carers have noticed an improvement in their moods during the day when they do it. It’s something they get to look forward to on the three days a week that they come,” says Chris.

The positive feedback is something personal trainer, Georga, has witnessed first-hand.

“They love coming in, they’re excited to be here, they’re experimenting with new exercises, and it’s really awesome to see them starting to embrace physical activity in whatever form it comes.”

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