GLOBAL Self-Advocates Build Muscle and Meaningful Connections in the Education Center

This July, twelve self-advocates have returned to GLOBAL’s Education Center to participate in the fourth annual Fitness Program, a six-week program specifically designed to increase balance, muscle tone, flexibility, and endurance in individuals with Down syndrome. 

The GLOBAL Fitness Program aims to:

1. Introduce participants to effective exercise techniques and methods
2. Improve participants’ ability to safely incorporate exercise and healthy habits into daily routines
3. Provide participants a positive and encouraging experience with exercise

This year, the program has been strengthened through a partnership with CrossFit Tackle Bunny, giving participants the opportunity to learn new skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Alongside GLOBAL Staff, seasoned coach and CrossFit Tackle Bunny owner Jason Cline is leading participants in learning functional movements from the CrossFit discipline. From push-ups and shuttle runs to jumping jacks and squats, participants are challenging themselves, celebrating progress, and proving that fitness is for everyone.

Participant Andrew Regan shares that to him, the Fitness Program means “inclusion”. By offering exercises that meet participants where they are while still encouraging them to build new skills and try new things, the program creates an environment where everyone knows that they belong. 

“The program keeps changing me in a good way to become more active and to be more confident and let loose,” says participant Sam Levin. Levin also says that his favorite part about class is being able to work out alongside friends. With twelve participants engaged in each class session, the program is an important opportunity for participants to support one another in achieving fitness goals while simultaneously building meaningful friendships. Opportunities before, during, and after class help participants further strengthen connections and practice social skills in a natural, welcoming setting.

While it may seem like just a workout session on the outside, the GLOBAL Fitness Program is an unprecedented opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome to build lifelong wellness skills that will support healthier, more active lives.

About the GLOBAL Education Center

The mission of the Education Center at Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is to enrich the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by providing quality, evidence-based learning opportunities at little to no cost. Since 2022, the Education Center at GLOBAL has engaged more than 80 participants with Down syndrome in educational programming focused on health and wellness, jobs skills acquisition, and skills for greater independence. Each program is developed in partnership with experts in the field and specifically tailored for the unique needs of its participants. Pre- and post-program assessments are conducted to gauge program effectiveness, participant and family satisfaction, and alignment with GLOBAL’s overall mission to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.