Mental Health and Exercise for IDD

The CDC recommends that at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week.  Exercise plays a vital role in their overall well-being, promoting physical health, independence and improved quality of life.  Barriers to exercise for people with disabilities include: cost of fitness memberships/training fees; access to transportation and technology; relying on others for assistance; and finding a trainer qualified to work with a specific disability.  

Enter Spirit Club Foundation

The Spirit Club Foundation supports community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where there is extremely high demand for accessible fitness programming. A partnership with the Baltimore and Silver Spring Civitan clubs resulted in a grant request from the FCIDD and over $40,000 in funds for fitness equipment, program scholarships and adaptive gym facility space at four different locations: Spirit Club (featured in Men’s Health Magazine’s “Best Gym in America”), Arc of Prince George’s County, Athelas Institute, and Spectrum Programs.  

“We have seen people with I/DD seeking scholarship support for fitness services at a very high rate. With additional gym capacity and equipment, we will be able to accommodate the influx of additional individuals with disabilities for fitness program opportunities.”

Partnerships make us all stronger!   

FCIDD encourages both club and nonprofit partnerships that can benefit that many more individuals by working together.