Physical Fitness in Special
Populations
By: Chelsey Taggart
For: Mr.Cone
Technology and Assessment
What are Special Populations?
• Those afflicted by chronic or temporary health
conditions
• For example:
Mental/Physical Disabilities
Older Adults
Children
Cancer Patients
What Needs to be Taken Into
Consideration?
• Physical Fitness
• Physical Capabilities
• Mental Capacity
Getting big!
A workout with an individual with special needs
will differ from a normal routine. Typical
adjustments include:
• Lower intensity
• Stronger focus on range of motion
• Slower progression
• Lower weights
Who can Lead Fitness?
• Anyone can administer fitness but it is best to
have experience and first aid training when
working with special populations.
• American Red Cross Information
Examples of Professionals
• People that may lead exercise programs:
Certified Personal Trainer
Registered Nurse
GetFIT manager
Doctor
Remember: Without proper credentials
and paperwork you may be liable for
any accidents or injuries that may
occur.
How to Become a Personal Trainer
Sign up
Study
Take test
Begin training!
• Anyone can become a personal trainer but it’s
ideal to have some background in the health
field
• To become certified you must pass a lengthy and
difficult test
• Several certified organizations administer
different exams ranging in difficulty and level of
prestige
Different Personal Training
Organizations
• ACE
Most well respected
$399 for exam
$599 for study program
Remember:
Always shop
around for what
program and
prices work best
for you!
Different Personal Training
Organizations
• NASM
Well Respected
$599 for exam
$999 for study program
Programs
There are many organizations, both local and
national, that provide exercise programs to those
with special needs.
• GetFIT
Run out of Rowan University this program
provides personal trainers and individualized
workout programs for those with a variety of
developmental and physical disabilities
Rowan GetFIT
• Silver Sneakers
Program designed for seniors that provides gym
access, specialized classes and support groups for
those looking to increase their activity level with
little to no cost
Silver Sneakers
• Autism Speaks
Organize walks, swims and sports clinics for
children suffering from Autism
Use profits from events to fund research on the
disease
Autism Speaks
Ways You Can Get Involved Now
• Special Olympics
Volunteering with the Special Olympics requires
zero previous experience
Summer games held in Ewing, New Jersey
• Special Needs Athletic Programs (SNAP)
This program provides camps and afterschool
athletic programs for children with autism and
other special needs.
Volunteers needed to coach camps and raise
awareness. No experience necessary
Thanks for Viewing!