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Adapted Fitness Programs for Adults


Our goals for the adapted fitness programs
Who our programs serve
Program staff
How to join the AFPA
Physical Fitness Appraisal
Waiting List
Program Fees
Additional Information

The Adapted Fitness Program for Adults (AFPA) provides structured, individualized exercise programs for adults with disabilities under the supervision of certified fitness instructors, in a supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment.
 

 Our goals for the adapted fitness programs

  • To provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in individualized adapted fitness and activity programs at a scheduled time one to three days a week.
     
  • The opportunity to use customized adapted exercise and fitness training equipment to maintain fitness and health such as
    • an Active Passive Trainer (APT), a movement-assisted bike that requires no transferring
    • an Easy Stand - a standing frame, which assists people who have difficulty standing, or are unable to stand independently
    • an Arm Ergometer – an accessible upper-body resistance training machine and
    • an Equalizer which offers accessible upper body resistance exercises for all abilities.

AFPA promotes the transitioning of members into other community facilities to explore new paths for quality of life and active living.


In offering these programs, our primary goals are
 

  1. to help members become knowledgeable and confident with respect to their fitness and lifestyle needs
     
  2. to assist them with the ultimate goal of helping them take their new skills into the community and its facilities.
     

The adult programs include
 

  • Stretch and Tone - specifically designed fitness program beneficial for those with multiple sclerosis
     
  • Athlete training
     
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) exercise, which provides fitness opportunities for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and includes FES cycling and rowing,
     
  • Instructional Group Programs such as an aquatic exercise program.

 Who our Programs serve

AFPA currently serves over 150 adults (18 years +) with a range of physical disabilities that include
 

  • Spinal cord injury
     
  • Multiple Sclerosis
     
  • Stroke
     
  • Cerebral Palsy
     
  • Spina Bifida
     
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • and others
     

We provide fitness prescription and programming for those who are unable to access a community facility and need assistance with an adapted exercise program. 

 

 Program Staff

The centre is staffed with instructors with degrees in kinesiology and physical education.  Our staff members' qualification may also include these certifications:
 

  • Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant (PFLC)
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
     
  • Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC)
     
  • and Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA)  


The centre also provides learning experiences for college and university students in disciplines, including
 

  • kinesiology
     
  • physical education
     
  • science
     
  • nursing
     
  • and rehabilitation


Staff and volunteers provide Steadward Centre members with
 

  • exercise prescription
     
  • instruction
     
  • and machine set-up.


 

 How to join the AFPA

  • Potential members are pre-screened to ensure suitability for the program.
     
  • Following this, a consultation will be scheduled
    • Specifics about the program will be discussed and appropriate paperwork completed
       
  • A Physical Fitness Appraisal date will be set at the time of the consultation.


 

 Physical Fitness Appraisal

  • All potential members must participate in an initial physical fitness appraisal.
  • AFPA staff will assess
    • cardiovascular fitness
       
    • strength
       
    • range of motion
       
    • flexibility
       
    • and body composition. 
       

Information gathered will be used to design a personalized exercise program.

 

 Waiting List

  • Space is limited and registration is subject to availability.  Please contact the Program Coordinator to begin the screening process. 


 

 Program Fees

 Six Month Membership

 Cost

            # of days per week

 Days

 $50.00

2-3

 MWF or Tues/Thursdays

 

 

 

 

 Monthly payment plan is available for both membership options

 Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday  0800 to 1200 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
1300 to 1900 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
 
Tuesday and Thursday
 		 1000 to 1430 (10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.)
 

 Additional Information

  • Attendants/Aids: 
  • Individuals requiring one on one assistance with many aspects of their exercise program are required to bring an attendant/aid. 


 Contact us