Neuroadaptive Fitness… What Is It?
Well, it’s what we do over at Inclusive Fitness. Some of you may already be familiar with how we run our programs (Hi, IF Fam!). If you’re not though, get ready for a fitness experience that’s as unique as your fingerprint in a world full of carbon copies. Trust me, I get it… you’re thinking ‘Now what?” Well, as a neurodivergent coach at Inclusive Fitness (AuDHD if you’re wondering), I’m here to introduce you to something revolutionary: Neuroadaptive Fitness. If you’re a parent seeking a fitness program for your teen or adult family member or a self-advocate on the hunt for a gym that truly gets you, you’re in luck. At Inclusive Fitness, we’re not just participating in this revolution; we’re starting it.
Imagine a fitness space so in sync with your—or your child’s—neural uniqueness that it’s like a second home, and something you look forward to… yeah, really. Keep reading, because we’re shifting the paradigm and you’re invited to be a part of it.
Neuroadaptive Fitness isn’t just another trend in the workout world, by the way. It’s an entirely new frontier that we’re pioneering right here in Boston. (Did you get chills? I did. This is a big deal!) This isn’t a feel-good piece about inclusion either. It’s about a science-based, individualized, and holistic approach focused on the unique strengths of neurodivergent people. Want a sneak peek at how we’re lowering barriers and raising the bar for neurodivergent athletes? Follow me, my friends… we’re friends now, right? Great, then let’s take this journey together.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Experience
First of all, let’s lower some barriers- you won’t find harsh lights, blaring music, or clanging barbells here. The goal is a sensory-friendly experience tailored to each athlete’s comfort level. Each detail, from dimmable lighting to a designated “chill-out space,” is provided to reduce sensory overload. Music? We’re flexible. Taylor Swift is pretty much a resident, and Bruno Mars makes his appearances. But occasionally, we relish the sublime quiet—because, truth be told, not every moment demands a playlist. If you let us coaches pick, though, it’ll probably be country. “Take me home, country roads…” (Did you hear about the Hoe-Down? There were some “a-maize-ing” dance moves!)
Anyway, how do these sensory considerations connect to the core of neuroadaptive fitness? They do more than just create a comfortable environment; they enable athletes to focus on achieving their personal best without unnecessary distractions. Take those frosted windows: they’re essentially the VIP bouncers of our space, filtering out visual noise like zooming cars and wandering pedestrians. In essence, our sensory-friendly environment becomes a sanctuary, minimizing distractions so our athletes can maximize their potential.
Focusing on the Athlete, Not the Equipment
In most fitness environments, the equipment grabs your attention first—machines designed to isolate specific muscle groups, rows and rows (and rows) of cardio equipment, and the like. Neuroadaptive fitness doesn’t focus on the machine but on the person using it. Customized programs are created after a meticulous assessment of each athlete’s physical, adaptive, and cognitive abilities. Unlike traditional routines, these programs are transformative catalysts for personal growth, autonomy, and self-confidence. The session is laid out through visual aids and checkboxes, enabling athletes to become active co-creators of their fitness experience. But that’s just the start.
The real trick at Inclusive Fitness isn’t just getting our athletes to work out; it’s understanding what makes them tick. I’ve coached athletes motivated by the prospect of pushing 100 pounds on the sled. Others just want to be strong enough to open a jar of pickles by themselves (isn’t that right, Mike?). We honor both ambitions equally. The coaches at Inclusive Fitness are not generalists; we are specialists trained in working with neurodivergent individuals. From those with complex profiles to highly independent self-advocates, we adapt our approach not only to each athlete’s unique needs but their personality as well. But what about the results? Sheesh, ok, we’re almost there.
Measurable Impact Through Functional Fitness
At Inclusive Fitness, you’re not just running on a treadmill to nowhere. You’re engaging in a full spectrum of functional fitness that includes warm-ups, power movements, and strength training. This functional approach not only has significant carryover to everyday activities, but it also prepares athletes for the unpredictability of life (ever slip on a patch of ice? I know I have…). This provides a safety net of physical capability that parents find reassuring. Take one athlete’s mom. She used to worry about her daughter’s safety like it was her second job. Now? She’s practically retired from the anxiety business, thanks to the strength and confidence her daughter has gained through her workouts. Coupled with collaborative healthcare strategies—think partnerships with occupational therapists, optometrists, and more—neuroadaptive fitness becomes a 360-degree approach to wellness. What’s more, our athletes not only build their muscles but their social skills, too. As our athletes see gains in strength and confidence, they also find themselves high-fiving and making friends. So yes, while we’re lifting weights, we’re also lifting social barriers. What could be better than that?
Expanding The Future of Neuroadaptive Fitness
Neuroadaptive fitness, though groundbreaking, is in its infancy and needs champions to realize its full potential. It’s like the Baby Yoda of the wellness universe, adorable but oh-so-powerful, and in desperate need of guardians—advocates like us at Inclusive Fitness. Maybe, like you.
Inclusive Fitness isn’t content with being a pioneer in Boston alone; we have grander visions. With plans to expand in the next year, the ambition is to redefine the fitness industry at large, offering neuroadaptive fitness to a community that hasn’t had a fitness space to call its own. Our dream isn’t just to change a few lives (even though that’s pretty awesome), but to shift an entire industry (much awesomer). Why? Because this neurodivergent community has waited long enough for a gym to call home.
Your Invitation to Revolutionize Wellness
So, there it is. Neuroadaptive fitness at Inclusive Fitness isn’t some catchphrase or pipe dream. It’s a game-changing, life-transforming approach to wellness that’s breaking down barriers and setting new standards. Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe, tailored fitness solution for your family member, or a self-advocate ready to redefine (or discover) your personal best, this is your invitation to be part of an industry-shaping movement. As a neurodivergent coach myself, I can attest to the sheer power and potential of what we’re creating here. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to don your metaphorical capes, folks—the revolution in neuroadaptive fitness has room for everyone. Are you in?
If you’d like to learn more or speak with a team member, simply contact us.