Frequently Asked Questions About Adaptive Programming With Ace Pro Emily Kramer

Adaptive exercise programming is an often overlooked aspect of becoming a comprehensive, experienced fitness professional. People with physical, developmental and trauma disabilities deserve every opportunity to participate in safe and supportive movement practices, and here at ACE we hope to inspire a community of professionals willing to train and coach people. All Capabilities. So when we came across ACE Pro Emily Kramer and the small group adaptive training program she created in her gym, Kaizen AthleticsWe thought we’d ask her some questions about how she developed an adaptive exercise program and why it’s so important to her.

^{(Images courtesy of Kaizen Athletics Inc.)}

ACE: What inspired you to start an adaptive training program?

Emily: He mentioned it all when I went to a local fitness event where they were organizing multiple workouts throughout the day to honor the fallen soldiers. Virginia Beach is a large military city, so our community always works together to give back to veterans, wounded veterans, and their families. The exercise I participated in had a bunch of upper and lower limb amputees and they were doing the exercise with me! I’ll never forget them jumping on the chest next to me, running with their blades, and lifting barbells with ways wrapped around their chests. I was astonished by their ability to overcome their weakness. I was also impressed by their mental toughness. Making the choice not to use their disabilities as an excuse, too. I knew in that moment that I needed to give back to this population and create a space where adaptive athletes can come for fitness, friendships, education, mindset, and a sense of community. My first adaptive athlete was a veteran with spinal cord injury. We helped him regain his independence again. Fast forward to today, we have a diverse group of adaptive athletes that we meet 3 times a week. Our program is called Kaizen Adaptive Training.

^{(Photo courtesy of Kaizen Athletics website)}

ACE: Who designed your adaptive software?

Emily: Kaizen Athletics provides a comprehensive training facility for individuals with long-term traumatic or physical disabilities (visible/invisible) through movement and society. We make fitness training affordable and inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability. It is an honor to serve our wounded veterans, veterans, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and our adaptive community.

ACE: What special considerations are there when creating an adaptive program?

Emily: You always want to make sure that the adaptive athletes coming in are fit for small group training. You should also try to understand them as a person. We have a submission process in place to ensure the appropriate scope of practice.

We first discuss the body’s functions and structures (response, movements they can/cannot make, etc.) and whether there are any physiological functions classified as invisible wounds (traumatic brain injury, PTSD, behavioral etc.).. Something you can do I don’t see on the outside, but something they deal with on the inside.

Tell us if they have had any loss of their limbs or any loss of bodily functions (paralysis).

We get them to discuss their goals and what they can currently do with or without help. We ask them if they participate in any other form of physical activity. Most of our adaptive athletes still attend some type of physical therapy or occupational therapy, in addition to brain therapy. We work alongside these PTs and OTs and it’s an honor to have their support!

We then screen and evaluate those applicants.

Ask them to fill out a waiver and a PAR-Q Which includes full details of their infection history, drug list, contraindications, risks, etc. If necessary, we will ask for a note from the doctor stating that they are able to exercise and [whether or not] They have no restrictions on participation. Then we evaluate these athletes in a group setting. These workouts are done at a fast pace, so we want to make sure they fit well; We evaluate their function and mobility. We also assess their level of independence and then discuss their goals. If they fit well, we log them into our scheduling app where they can book lessons each week.

^{(Photo courtesy of Kaizen Athletics website)}

ACE: Why do you think movement/exercise is important for those with long-term physical or traumatic disabilities?

Emily: I’m a strength and conditioning coach and I educate athletes to adapt to functional fitness. Functional fitness moves will mimic ADLs (activities of daily living) outside the gym. They are the “natural movements” that make your daily activities possible. The main goal is to help each athlete regain strength, mobility and independence.

some Examples of functional movements I train:

– Deadlift (Imitates picking up something off the ground)

– air squat (imitation of getting up and down from the chair, turning on / off the toilet)

– Cleaning (pick up something and put it on a table)

Presses (simulates putting something away in a closet or shelf)

– Workout And the Burpee (the ability to lift your body off the ground)

ACE: What do fitness professionals need to know before training someone with disabilities?

Emily: Currently, I work a lot with spinal cord injury survivors, gunshot survivors, stroke survivors, brain cancer survivors, amputees, and individuals with unseen injuries such as TBI or PTSD. I pride myself on being able to adjust/measure for any athlete who passes through my doors. This takes time and hours of training to feel comfortable working with an adapted population. My suggestion is to indulge in continuing education. The more you can participate, observe and get experience, the better coach you will be.

ACE: What do you think a lot of fitness professionals get wrong when it comes to adaptive training?

Emily: Not ready. If you know an adaptive athlete is coming to your gym for a class, be prepared. Know what you will do for them that day. Have lesson planned and prepared, and have any scale/modifications ready when class starts.

ACE: Tuition fees are 100% donation based. Why did you take this road?

Emily: We’ve made this program 100% donation based because we know the financial burden of physical disability or trauma is very expensive. We wanted to take financial resources out of the equation.

Our community is very supportive too. They make the ongoing donations we put into the program to ensure these athletes get free lessons as well as additional equipment or techniques they may need.

ACE: What other tips do you have for fitness professionals when it comes to creating a more comprehensive and accessible training environment?

Emily: When creating the exercise for the group class, make sure everyone does the same exercise. Scale or adjust to the athletes who need it but always keep them moving together.

I’ve also seen the benefits of fitness and how it affects not only their physical health but also their mental health, especially for an adaptive society. They are surrounded by other individuals in similar circumstances and can vent to themselves, discuss, seek advice, give advice, or talk about medications or struggles they are facing. These friendships are what keep them coming back to your gym!