What happens when someone doesn't fit into the mainstream fitness scene?
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What if their disability makes it feel impossible for them to do the fitness activities 'everyone else just takes for granted'?
According to Ability West director Cassie Gardner simple fitness activities such as going to the gym can feel impossible for people with disabilities.
"If you walk into a gym, it's scary enough, you don't know what the equipment is for, you don't know what your trainers are going to say to you and then you're in a wheelchair, or you've got a leg that doesn't work the same as everyone else's or you have a missing arm. It's really impossible, and we are finding that people with disabilities are finding it very hard getting into fitness," Mrs Gardner said.
"What happens is, when you've got challenges and barriers then you don't do it, you don't even start, you don't even try."
Mrs Gardner said that is the exact reason she is encouraging those with disabilities and their supporters to attend the upcoming workshop for the Journeyfit Program.
The Journeyfit Program is a ILC brand program by the NDIS funded through the Department of Social Services and equips those with disabilities with the first steps towards their fitness and wellness journeys.
"Journeyfit is about connecting like minded people whilst working on their fitness and wellness and equipping them with the skills and education to achieve their fitness and health goals," she said.
"It is about encouraging those with disabilities to push past the fitness challenges and barriers they face.
"We start them off gently, connect them with other groups with similar goals and be their cheer squad.
"We equip them with everything they need to get started with their fitness journeys, including providing them with food education."
The first session will run on Monday, March 1, from 9.30am 11.30am, with guest speakers Mel Harrison from Sitting Low Reaching High, Rodney Baker, Ben Austin, and Liza Twohill, a Nutritionist and Naturopath.
Those interested in attending can call Mrs Gardner on 0419 091 939.
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