06/08/2026
Are You Promoting Physical Activity?
Access to physical fitness can present significant barriers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many traditional gyms are crowded, noisy, filled with strong scents, and can feel overwhelming for individuals who are unfamiliar with exercise equipment or who benefit from more structured support.
As recreational therapists, we have an opportunity to make fitness more accessible and inclusive.
Through Get Rec'd, physical activity is utilized as a therapeutic intervention within inclusive programming.
One individual receiving recreational therapy services became so motivated by his fitness journey that he asked for photos of himself participating in gym activities to be shared. His experience demonstrates how meaningful, person-centered recreation can inspire lasting changes in health and wellness.
The recreational therapy process is straightforward but impactful:
Assess by listening and understanding the individual's interests, needs, and goals.
Offer choices that promote self-determination.
Develop a personalized plan based on those choices.
Deliver the intervention.
Evaluate outcomes and document progress.
Benefits of Gym-Based Physical Activity
-Weight Training
- Muscle and Bone Health
- Increases strength and muscular endurance.
-Supports healthy bone density.
-Helps combat muscle atrophy.
-Daily Independence
-Improves the ability to perform everyday tasks such as carrying groceries, climbing stairs, and completing household activities.
Injury Prevention
Strengthens muscles that support joints, reducing the risk of injury.
Cardiovascular Exercise
-Heart and Metabolic Health
-Improves cardiovascular fitness and circulation.
-Helps manage weight and reduce health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles.
-Endurance and Motor Skills
-Enhances stamina, coordination, agility, and balance.
Brain Function
-Supports neuroplasticity and may improve attention, memory, and overall cognitive functioning.
Mental and Social Benefits
-Mood Enhancement
-Physical activity releases endorphins that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
Social Inclusion
-Group fitness opportunities encourage communication, relationship building, and community participation.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Achieving fitness goals promotes independence, self-confidence, and personal autonomy.
Additional Physical Activity Options
Yoga and tai chi
Swimming and water aerobics
Walking and hiking groups
Adaptive sports such as tennis, basketball, and golf
Professional Practice
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) utilize evidence-based interventions and often build programming around an individual's interests to encourage long-term participation and success.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities.
Physical activity is more than exercise—it is a pathway to improved health, increased independence, meaningful social connections, and enhanced quality of life.
Are you promoting physical activity?
