Every client is different depending on age, personality and their interests we can adapt the session to engage them in the session.  I think it’s important to involve them by explaining what we are doing and why (linking it to a functional based movement goal) so that when they are asked to do a certain movement they realise the importance of following instruction.  It might take some time to break down those mental/ emotional barriers but it will eventually just click and then they can just continue to build their confidence in themselves.

Ifan is now at the point where he will initiate a training session on his own by fetching the equipment he wants to use and heads off to do a warm up lap.  As a parent who struggled to get her 2-year-old to comply with exercises and stretches…….. to reaching this point is amazing and makes me feel so proud!  He understands why we exercise, he has learnt many of the individual muscle names and even gets involved with planning his exercise programme.  I want him to have a healthy, active and independent life and feel that we are setting strong foundations for his future.

Exercise is so important for our children to grow healthy and strong the government recommends that all children age 5 to 18 years old do 60 minutes and up to several hours every day of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. The guidelines also recommend that three days a week include vigorous intensity activities that strengthen muscle and bone.  These guidelines are aimed at the general population and I know from personal experience that it’s hard for children with CP to achieve however I’m passionate about making physical activity accessible to all.