Community gym exercise

On this page, James shares his story about setting up his gym program to meet his needs.

Community gyms are a common place to exercise.

They are also one of the exercise settings that has the most research for adults with cerebral palsy.

There are many ways that adults with CP have made gym exercise work for them.

Finding my ‘why’

A young man with dark hair, fair skin, and a slight smile, wearing a black Puma jacket, sitting indoors against a plain light-colored wall.

James

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to become more physically active. At school, I couldn’t dedicate much time to exercise and I wanted to explore the gym.

My goal was to build muscle and regain strength I had lost after having knee surgery.

I have always been a fan of martial arts. Knowing my interest, my EP introduced me to a personal trainer who had a background in martial arts.

It was really good because it goes beyond exercising in a gym and ties it into a specific interest of mine.

Making a plan

An empty gym with various workout equipment including benches, weights, and resistance machines inside a spacious industrial-style building.

James

My physio and I talked to a few gyms. We scoped out these venues together with my mum. I chose the gym I go to as it is really close to home.

My gym is accommodating of having my support worker assist me in the gym. They don’t charge for my support worker.

My physio connected with an EP and told them about my goals. Initially I exercised just with the EP, but then moved towards using support workers for some sessions as this enabled me to do more exercise in a cost effective way.

My support workers follow the EP plan and they work well together.

Settling in and building a routine

Karate students practicing techniques on a padded floor in a dojo, with instructor observing in the center.

James

I did boxing training at the gym, but my support worker mentioned the martial arts training he has been involved in, and I was interested in exploring this more.

Now I go once a week to a martial arts gym and focus on martial arts training, including boxing, pad work, jiu-jitsu. I found it works my muscles and body in lots of different ways that I don’t get from the regular gym.

The step of finding the right support people is crucial in setting up a good physical activity experience. I had the good fortune to have supportive people around me who enabled me to figure out and advocate for what I needed.

Checking in

Black weightlifting bench with a leg press machine and weight plates in a gym.

James

At the beginning I was hesitant but now it is one of my favourite places to be. There have been challenges but I have gotten to the point now that if I miss a session or two it doesn’t hold me back too much.

I don’t have very formal check-ins but my EP and I discuss how I am going and adjust as needed. Whenever something comes up we make alterations with my plan.

I started having pain in my knee from doing a leg press so we took away this exercise, focusing on strengthening the muscles around my knee by doing other exercises.

I have begun doing leg presses again but we introduced this at a lighter weight and checked in to make sure this wasn’t causing any more issues.

Final thoughts

A young man with dark hair, wearing a black Puma jacket, smiling at the camera against a plain light-colored wall.

James

I have always felt that i have a good understanding of what my body needs. Growing up my goals changed. I wanted to get in the community more.

The work i have been doing at the gym has allowed me to feel more confident in my day to day life. Over time I developed more ideas about what I wanted from life, and gym exercise helps me with achieving that.

My balance has improved and also I like when my family and friends comment on the effort I put into my fitness. It reassures me that I am on the right track and to keep doing what I’m doing.