An article in the IDEA Fitness Journal, Sept. 2016, talks about being inclusive in structuring fitness programs. This group is leading edge in the fitness community and what I read reflects what we’re seeing in society and is entering our studios.
Some thoughts.
One part considers what recommendations a trainer gives to a transgender client as to their diet since male and female metabolisms are different. Training methods have to be altered, too. In Kenpo we call it tailoring. However, you can’t tailor wthout knowledge.
There have always been those enrolling who have some limitation. We’ve taught blind, deaf, dumb, partially paralyzed, and wheelchair-bound students. Some students have their “disability” in their head where it’s not visible but often just as limiting.
I’m seeing more special needs students in classes. I base this on the visits I make to schools. Our society is moving toward the inclusive and that means in sports (think Paralympics) and martial arts.
What will you do when a transgender student enrolls? How do you handle the autistics? Special needs includes older students, too. Lance Soares addressed this in his presentations last week when he spoke of the middle-aged, cheeseburger-eating smoker who comes in to get back in shape.
Like an attack, this is coming our way and we need to prepare.