Since I began going to the gym every week, my overall well-being has greatly improved – I feel healthier, more positive and better about myself. As a person with Autism, this can be a harder than

But I couldn’t have achieved this without the help of someone – my brother – who assisted me along the way. He is someone I can ask any question I have of him without feeling embarrassed or silly and who knows me well enough to explain what workouts and exercises to do and how to do them.

He was able to do this because we have developed a lifetime of trust and understanding.

Unfortunately, many people with disabilities who want to attend the gym to improve their health will not be this fortunate.

That’s why developing a strong rapport, trust, knowledge and – most of all – respect between client and personal trainer is essential.

Creating connections with those on the Autism Spectrum

With clients who are on the Autism Spectrum, building and fostering trust and respect will require time, patience and understanding.

According to The Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT), the Pennsylvania-based resource organization, the “best way for you to gain the respect of someone you support [who is on the spectrum] is to build a relationship of mutual trust.”

Mutual trust means acknowledging that both you and the person you support have strengths, weaknesses, hopes and needs that are important to well-being and a positive life.

In order to foster this connection, ASERT suggests taking the following steps:

• “Speak to the people you support as you would to any other adult, taking into consideration their personal communication style.”

• “Provide opportunities for those you support to be involved in independent decision making.”

• “Always honor an individual’s right to privacy.”

• “Have a conversation about the language you use to talk about autism or other conditions the person experiences.”

But most of all, it is important for those who work with people on the spectrum to take some time to get to know the people they support as individuals, to learn about their preferences, their sensory and communication needs, and apply what their learn to inform your training.

Conclusion

By achieving this level of trust and understanding, trainers will be able to communicate with their clients who are on the spectrum and help them reach their fitness and NDIS goals.

Jackson Trout

The post The Importance Of Building Trust With People With Autism (ASD) In Personal Training appeared first on WeFlex | NDIS Personal Trainer & Exercise Physiologist.

It wasn’t because they are the largest and most known brand in Australia, with over 500 gyms nationally.

It wasn’t because those gyms are spread across the country and affordable.

They were my metaphorical Moby Dick because WeFlex was actually born in an Anytime Fitness Club.

My brother and I, once we realised we were on our own to navigate fitness for him, like many people with a disability, joined our local Anytime Fitness as it was close to Jack’s house and was affordable for him. The first time we walked in we met with Cade the, then, manager of the Club who welcomed us both with open arms and was incredibly kind and friendly.

He did everything he could to make Jack feel comfortable and at home – constantly checking on him and talking to him. Something we ensure is a key with our WeFlex NDIS Personal Trainers. It was a significant part of my inspiration for WeFlex, the idea that it isn’t about technical skills lacking but inter-personal connection. Just being friendly. Acceptance and inclusion.

Jack and I have only ever known Anytime Fitness Clubs to be inclusive and supportive – which is why we’ll be members for the rest of our lives. It’s also why, when I started WeFlex, I knew that AF would understand our mission. When I think about their brand, I think about all the fun we’ve had in their Clubs, the milestones we’ve reached and the support we’ve received. Jack discovered his love and passion for exercise in the purple rooms.

It’s cliché as hell to be ‘proud’ of a partnership between two businesses. But I am.

I am very proud of this partnership and could not ask for a better partner to make the leap with, in shaping fitness industry 2.0.

Together, the fitness industry is about to become Inclusive AF.

The post ANY BODY, ANY TIME appeared first on WeFlex | NDIS Personal Trainer & Exercise Physiologist.