Special needs children, such as
children dealing with autism, face many challenges when it comes to fitness and
exercising. We already know that exercising is challenging on its own; however,
special needs children have specific motor pattern challenges that make it
difficult for them to coordinate movements.
Physical activities for special
needs children can incorporate rhythmic sessions that engage large muscles.
Such exercises may include running, walking, and cycling. However, determining
the type of exercise routine that fits special needs children highly depends on
the children’s initial fitness level, as well as their ability to cope with
exercise programs in general. Just keep in mind that even when cognitive abilities
seem delayed in a child dealing with autism for instance, that child can still
successfully and enthusiastically engage in regular exercise.
Children with special needs can
benefit greatly from exercising. Whether you have special needs or not, exercising
has many advantages. Not only does exercising help increase strength,
endurance, and balance, it also helps decrease stress level, blood sugar,
cholesterol, and blood pressure. As a result, everyone can benefit from
fitness; not just the average person, but also people with special needs.
Example of an exercise session designed for special needs children
One way of getting special needs
children to take interest in exercising, is to make the exercises fun and
relaxing at the same time. To achieve this goal, try incorporating movement,
music, and yoga in the children’s fitness routines. These activities can help
special needs children reduce stress and energy level, lower anxiety, and
improve their attention and social skills.
Segment the exercise routine into
two major sessions. The first half of the session (which can last 15-20
minutes), may include music and movement. Play a song that captivates their
attention, and encourage them to engage in sequences of snapping fingers,
patting their belly and clapping their hands. You can also include obstacle
courses and running in this session, but make sure they are easily achievable.
Once the 20 minutes are over,
slowly transition the children into the yoga portion of the exercise routine. Yoga
doesn’t have to deal with complex posturing or any flexibility pre-requisites.
During the yoga session, the children will do traditional postures such as cow,
cat, dog, cobra. Yoga will help them improve body awareness, strengthening, and
self-esteem. Moreover, yoga will improve their attention and get them ready to
learn textbook materials.
Social benefits of exercising
Getting special needs children to
exercise in a group setting, is an excellent way to develop and increase their
social skills. Connecting these children with others who have similar needs,
helps all of them foster their own support network. Regardless of who you are,
or what your limitations are, exercising regularly is the building block to
better health and long life; special needs children are no different in that
respect.
Author Bio: Kodjo Hounnake is a home fitness
enthusiast who believes the average person can get and remain in great shape
right at home. You do not need expensive gym equipment to achieve the body of
your dreams. Your body weight is sufficient enough. See the hundreds of home
workout videos and healthy homemade recipes on his home fitness blog.
