Unlocking Potential: Our Gym's Approach to Supporting Muscular Dystrophy Fitness

How we modify workouts for our athletes with Muscular Dystrophy

Here at Spectrum Sports, we want to make sure that workouts are for everyone, and for all to benefit from the exercises. Therefore, when it comes to working with athletes with Muscular Dystrophy, we have a personalized approach to adjusting workouts to suit their needs.

When an athlete first joins Spectrum, we want to know who they are as an individual and how we can play that into their training. This helps us better understand how to design a program for them and modify movements if need be to make sure they are participating safely and effectively.

For example, if an athlete has limited mobility in the legs, we can focus a little more on the upper body in their exercises or incorporate more band resistance type exercises to help them build strength and flexibility.

A key consideration in adapting these workouts for these athletes is to ensure that they perform the exercises with the right technique. We make sure that the correct muscles are used by adjusting their form and that the movements are done properly to try to make exercising safer while still being effective. This can include additional support (possibly 1 to 1 support) or the use of adaptive equipment to help keep good form while working out.

We also communicate with our athletes and their families, and make sure they know they can come to us with any problems or adjustments they would like to see in their workout.  We want to ensure that they feel safe with talking about their concerns or likes in their workouts. This also helps us as coaches refine and change our approach to meet their needs best.

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes

In the end, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for athletes who have Muscular Dystrophy.

Spectrum Sports coaches modify and adapt the workouts specific to the individual, as we focus on building strength and flexibility to improve overall health and lifestyle.

Spectrum is always looking to make additional progress to better suit the athlete’s needs and will continue to do so for each and every athlete who joins our team.

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