CLASSES

PROGRAMS

Developing programs for different skillsets and abilities will be like a Karate class.   Each person will have an initial assessment to determine strength, flexibility, and endurance.   After a few classes on safety and techniques then a baseline fitness test will be conducted that will include sit-ups, flat bench, curls, shoulder presses, bicep curls, cardio, and measuring flexibility.   The motivational goal for these kids and young adults will be the advancement into different stages.   As each person advances in stages, they will earn a Klub Lift shirt with different colors representing the different stages and “mastering” those stages.   The goal is for these kids and young adults to work hard to get to the next level and the symbol will be the workout shirts to show their advancement.   Hopefully, once a few have “mastered” all the stages then they earn non-supervised weight sessions and then maybe aid with younger ASD kids or beginners.

STUDIES ON FITNESS AND AUTISM

According to the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm) the following is stated on their website:  “Benefits of physical activity happening right after a session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 years of age and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

A Study published in Childhood Obesity (Egan et al. 2013) states that more than 30 percent of children with autism are overweight or obese, significantly higher than the 12-24 percent in the general population of children.

There have been other studies showing the effectiveness of exercise on autism in a study by O’Connor, French, and Henderson in 2000 that states:  Children with autism may experience an increase in attention span, on-task behavior, and effectiveness in controlling many types of inappropriate behaviors.  The same study showed that aerobic exercise showed to reduce aggressive and disruptive behavior as well as wandering.  In a 2013 study by McCleery, Eliott, Sampanis, and Stefanidon states a relationship between motor skill development, language development, social interaction, and academic performance.   As you can see there seems to be a huge need to engage these kid or young adults in a fitness program to improve many aspects of ASD.  

TRAINERS

The trainers involved will be the most crucial part of Klub Lift and finding the right ones will be one of the most important factors. The trainers will have to have certain skills and education to work with these children and young adults.The ideal trainers will have to have certification in ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and a fitness background. Klub Lift management has talked to a few trainers with these credentials, and they are excited to get involved.For the beginners, we will have smaller groups of 2-3 for one trainer to teach proper techniques, form, and safety.Once an individual “Master” a program the fitness goals then they will graduate to more complex exercises and harder programs.The goal is for each person to see the results with strength, stamina, flexibility, weight, BMI, and lean muscle mass.Klub Lift is hoping the side effects will improve sleep, aggression, concentration, and socialization.