Quality of Life & Physical Activity

On a National Survey of over 700 autistics, exercise was found to be the number #1 rated treatment overall for improving quality of life. 

For autistics and the neurominority exercise does more than improve fitness. Research shows that it is a building block to reducing anxiety, reducing depression, building self-confidence, improving focus, increasing social skills and language development. 

For many children and young adults exercise is provided in Occupational and Physical Therapy. But when they have met their milestones, become pain free, or insurance runs out, it unfortunately comes to an end. 

As teenagers and young adults, their need for movement and sensory integration doesn’t stop. In fact, with the responsibilities of adulthood it becomes more important in providing mental and physical resilience. 

 So many have tried personal trainers and group training in gyms or “activity camps” only to be disappointed because the experience was abrasive and negative. Whether it was the trainer working the autistic individual too hard or making them verbally uncomfortable, the damage to the relationship with fitness was done. 

Teaching exercise to autistics is 75% understanding autism and 25% exercise. 

One of the core characteristics of autism is heightened sensory systems. VHS knows that by understanding an autistic's sensory profile and goals,  incorporating breaks, using neurodiversity affirming strategies and giving positive reinforcement that they are on their way to feeling great!

Engaging autistic individuals in exercise can be challenging especially if they  have had a bad experience with exercise and physical activity or are set in their routine. However, it doesn’t have to be. 

Our approach is a partnership. We work together towards their needs, using their motivators and current interests to achieve their goals. 

Starting an exercise routine is a great and rewarding adventure.

It’s worth the effort. See what it can do for you! 

Is a FREE virtual group fitness class in the convenience of home every school morning with a qualified instructor.  tweens, teens and young adults will excel by starting their day with friends and fun while getting what they need physically to focus in classes throughout the day. 

Classes are about 30 minutes and run every half hour starting at 6:30am PDT and 7:30am MDT until 7:30am PDT and 8:30am MDT•

FREE  Postponed due to COVID

Is a FREE virtual group fitness class in the convenience of home every afternoon Monday - Friday, with a qualified instructor. Tweens, teens and young adults will get what they need to unwind and recharge their battery after a busy day.
Classes are about 30 minutes and run every half hour starting at 3:30pm PDT and 4:30pm MDT and going until 4:30pm PDT and 5:30pm MDT.

FREE  Postponed due to COVID

 Session is 75-90 minutes and includes: 

• Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire 

• Sensory Profile 

• Collaborative Program Building 

$150

   All sessions are 60 minutes in length  

# of Sessions                                    Cost 

1 Session                                            $45 

3 Sessions                                          $120 

5 Sessions                                          $190 

10 Sessions                                        $360 

 For groups of 2-10 people who like to train together, we offer a special discounted individual rate for 60-minute sessions: $20 per person, per session.