For individuals with developmental disabilities, fitness is not just about physical strength or endurance; it's a pathway to confidence, healthier routines, and greater independence. Traditional fitness programs often overlook the unique needs of those who learn or communicate differently, but inclusive fitness aims to change that by prioritizing the individual over the program.
James Anderson, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and founder of Better Everyday Athletics, emphasizes a simple yet transformative principle: meet people where they are. His approach, detailed in his work and his book, 'Legacy of Health: A Parent's Guide to Building Strength, Energy, and Longevity for the Next Generation,' is built on five core principles that redefine what fitness can achieve.
The first principle is meeting individuals where they are. Instead of forcing someone into a conventional fitness routine, Anderson starts with an initial consultation to understand a person's abilities, needs, and starting point. From there, exercises are adapted and progressively developed around that individual. This ensures that fitness is not about conforming but about making meaningful progress from one's own baseline.
Second, Anderson advocates for moving with purpose. His philosophy was shaped by his experience in behavioral health, where he saw how purposeful movement could become part of a broader routine, supporting progress beyond traditional fitness goals. Movement, he believes, can serve a larger role in everyday life, aiding in behavioral and emotional well-being.
Third, building better habits is central to his method. Inclusive fitness is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Sustainable progress can take many forms: getting stronger, developing confidence, establishing a healthier routine, learning a new skill, or becoming more independent. Even small steps matter, and sometimes the victory is simply discovering 'I can do this.'
Fourth, Anderson's philosophy extends to strengthening the whole family. Becoming a father himself, he realized that maintaining his own fitness helped him manage the stress of parenthood, which in turn benefited his daughter. This experience reinforced his belief that healthy habits influence the entire family. His book encourages parents to think beyond short-term goals and consider the legacy their health habits create for the next generation.
Finally, creating lifelong independence is the ultimate goal. For Anderson, inclusive fitness is about helping individuals recognize their capabilities and build from there. Families and organizations have shared success stories: one parent noted her daughter's 'confidence and empowerment,' while another described her son's progress from running a quarter mile to half a mile nonstop and regularly biking to the store. Julie McNeil, Day Program Director at FRIENDS of Broomfield, praised Anderson's patience and creativity in understanding individual needs before challenging clients to achieve more.
The Better Every Day Method, as outlined on Anderson's website, mybettereveryday.org, embodies these principles. Anderson, with over 15 years of experience, is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and former Registered Behavior Technician. His message is straightforward: start with the person, not the program. Understand where they are, find purposeful movement, build sustainable habits, and strive to become a little better every day.
For those interested in learning more about inclusive fitness and Anderson's work, visit his website or explore his book on Amazon. Organizations can also inquire about speaking engagements at mybettereveryday.org/speaking-engagements.
