Published on 12, July, 2020
https://iancommunity.org/ssc/autism-physical-fitness
Just found this article whilst researching core muscle strength in ND and thought it an interesting topic for discussion.
Do you relish sport or are you a couch potato? Does going to a gym, joining a team, coordination issues put you off? Or have you found a way to enjoy keeping fit?
I like walking in open countryside. I tried line dancing and aerobics but couldn't learn the moves or keep up. I hate chlorine and feeling of swimming pool water and our local pool is closed in and claustrophobic. I have been in open air pools which I liked. Gyms are too noisy, too busy and overwhelming. I have played badminton on a casual basis in my youth but rubbish at catching a ball. I learnt to ride a bike but my coordination and spacial awareness makes it very tricky so I thought of a tricycle or recumbent but they're expensive..
What are your experiences of sport and exercise?
I do tai chi which I find is very good at reducing my stress levels. 2 other people at my local autism hub also do tai chi.
Thank you yes. Good suggestion. I didn't give it a good enough chance as I only went once. The people were so kind I found it a bit overwhelming! Plus again group movement is hard for me but I should give it another try. I took a photo of an ad of a local group starting which I'd forgotten about.
There is chair / sitting tai chi as well.
I thought I answered but not showing! Because of the dyspraxia and balance I would struggle.. but have read that dyspraxics can correct that a bit through practice so worth considering. I had hoped to hear others experience of exercise and sport and how they dealt with challenges. But grateful for suggestions for me to try so thank you.
Have you looked at Pilates on a ball?
One of the reasons I gave up Pilates was because of kneeling and getting up and down from the floor. I have seen online chair yoga which looks good though
If group movement is hard for you, you could try yoga instead.