WHAT IS ADAPTIVE & INCLUSIVE RECREATION?

With over 120,000 feet of recreation space, which includes over $1 million dollars of cardio and strength equipment, and plenty of fitness, sports, arts and music programming, The Epic recreation center is well equipped for adaptive and inclusive programs, events and activities. Inclusive recreation, also known as adaptive or accessible recreation, is a concept whereby people with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. Through the use of activity modifications, members are able to participate in most of the activities available for able bodied/minded members.

We define disability as any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the individual to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. The following is a list of, but is not limited to, disabilities that warrant adaptive and inclusive accommodations:

For questions, please contact Thomas Menezes at tmenezes@GPTX.org

    • ADD/ADHD
    • Amputation
    • Asperger’s
    • Autism
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Down Syndrome
    • Injury Rehabilitation
    • Muscular Dystrophy
    • Obesity
    • Spinal Cord Injury
    • Spinal Bifida
    • Stroke Victims
ADAPTIVE FITNESS ORIENTATION (PDF)ADAPTIVE & INCLUSIVE RECREATION PACKET (PDF)ACCOMMODATION & WAIVER (PDF)

ADAPTIVE FITNESS

Everyone, including people with disabilities, needs physical activity for good health. Regular exercise can help control weight, improve mental health and lower risk for death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

For the estimated 1 in 5 who have a disability in the United States, it is estimated that nearly half the adults with disabilities do not participate in any aerobic activity. With the Epic’s multi purpose space, tracks and adaptive cardiovascular equipment, we can provide numerous ways to increase aerobic capacity. Examples of aerobic activities for disabled members include walking, water aerobics, swimming, hand-crank bicycling, and various wheelchair athletics. Also, through the adaptive use of free weights and machines, there are many resistance-based exercises to enhance muscular fitness.

ADAPTIVE/INCLUSIVE FITNESS AT THE EPIC

The fundamental concepts for overall fitness still apply to adaptive and inclusive exercise. In other words, we use the same basic protocols to achieve goals. Generally, these include but are not limited to:

  • For weight loss, the participant will burn more fuel than they consume, measured by calories. The reverse is true if weight gain is the goal
  • For strength gain, use resistance bearing exercise the participant lifts more weight than they are used to in order to stress the muscles so that they will become stronger
  • For endurance, perform sustained exercise for longer than participant is used to, allowing for better aerobic and/or muscular performance over time
  • The goal of progression still applies, where the participant shows progress by enhancing performance on the above variables. (Ex: Increasing strength each week)

At the Epic, an initial, free fitness assessment is available for anybody that signs up for one. In this assessment, we will determine a baseline understanding of the member’s health and talk about precautionary methods/accommodations as it relates to disability. Moreover, we will be offering personal training, group fitness, and other fitness classes in addition to our well equipped weight lifting/machine area. We will strive to make all of our fitness areas, programs and services adaptive and inclusive.