Adaptive fitness program builds confidence in Yarmouth County

People living with disabilities are gaining confidence and new skills as Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) rolls out an adaptive fitness program designed to get people moving and enjoying more activities.

The program, “Stronger Together: Building Community Through Adaptive Group Fitness”, received $2,000 in funding last year from the Yarmouth County Community Health Board and introduced people to a variety of accessible fitness activities, including adaptive paddling, yoga, boxing, line dancing, intro to CrossFit machines, and stretching programs.

The group fitness concept grew from an unexpected partnership with South West Paddlers Association, which was looking to expand its adaptive paddling programming through community collaborations, said Aimee Acker, YACRO's director of special programs.

"We weren't really thinking so much along those lines” of opportunity, Acker said. “When they reached out, I thought, 'Okay, we could do a lot more with this.' So that's kind of what sparked the idea of trying adaptive fitness in general."

The adaptive paddling component ran for eight weeks last July and August at Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park in Deerfield, near Yarmouth. Sessions were held weekly and supported about 20 people each afternoon with the help of staff and volunteers trained in adaptive kayaking techniques.

The community health board funding helped cover the cost of equipment, transportation and instructors. The broader fitness program continued from September through December, introducing people to a range of accessible activities designed to accommodate different physical abilities and mobility needs.

The program's impact became clear through engagement and enthusiasm, Acker said.

"They are showing up, having fun, asking questions and developing skills,” she said. "When people ask for something over and over again, it's worthwhile putting it on."

One of the most successful activities was adaptive boxing, which continued throughout the winter after the initial program ended.

"It created a lot more confidence and skill-building in folks that we didn’t anticipate," said Acker. "People who probably thought they could never have that opportunity were able to come and do it at their level."

The program stands out for Acker as one of the most rewarding she has been involved with during her 18 years with YACRO.

"People that would never even probably go out to Ellenwood were out there and getting in a boat and getting on the water."

She recalled one person who spent the first week sitting on the beach watching others paddle.

"The next week they'd get in the kayak on the beach and just sit there and watch," Acker said. "Then they got into the shallow water. By the end of the program, they were taking their own kayak by themselves. That’s huge.”

The program has become self-sustaining and returns this summer with expanded capacity. Organizers have purchased additional boats, trained more staff and broadened partnerships to reach more people.

Among the new developments is the addition of an individual who recently earned a lifeguarding certification and will serve as the program's lifeguard.

YACRO also plans to invite other organizations to participate, including Autism Nova Scotia.

Acker said the goal remains to create opportunities for people to try activities they may have once thought were out of reach.

"Through movement and community, people discover what they can do," she said. "That's what tells me it’s worth the effort.” 

Photo of individuals enjoying time on the water in Yarmouth County.