Just over 2 years ago I was asked by Exercise Move Dance UK (EMDUK), the National governing body for dance fitness, to be one of their Ambassadors. I jumped at the chance and it was a real honour to be asked.

Last summer they asked me to take part in a pilot for their ‘feel for’ project. The project was created to engage those that would never exercise before, to come and try an inclusive class, that would suit all fitness levels. EMD asked if I would do a pilot for a seated class. The timing was coincidental, as work had agreed that I could run a seated class for them, due to some clients asking for a daytime seated class from the demos I had done for SAMs (Swindon Advocacy Movement ), and Swindon Learning Disability Forum.

A demo for a learning disability group in Swindon

Zumba was a great class to start with, as I am licensed to teach Zumba Gold – a low impact speciality of Zumba. I love teaching it, and I can do my own choreography which was important to me, as it meant I could change it to meet the classes needs. At the start of the 12 weeks, it was quiet and took a few weeks to build up. But after advertising it on some local free for sale sites on Facebook, talking to support workers to spread the word and also with our local Be Active (Mind ) project coming along, the word spread and numbers increased. I was getting a good set of regulars. There aren’t many classes where people with either a physical or learning disability feel comfortable going to, with an instructor that truly understands their needs, and where they are treated just the same as everyone else. They do not want a slow style class. They want an upbeat class that’s the same speed as those that are able bodied and non-restrictive. There’s a misconception that disabled people cannot do fast or upbeat choreography. Actually I’m going to squash that, the more time disabled people have to think about a move, the more they can’t do it. The less time they have to think, the better, as they find the move easier and more effective. I’m more likely to fall over on a slower song as my brain has more time to think so I over think the move then face plant the floor. The quicker the move, the more seamlessly I do it and therefore stay on my feet. This is a thing that not all instructors realise. And this is something Beto, ( Zumba Creator), picked up when I danced on stage with him.

On stage with Beto

I had people with various conditions come to my class including ataxia (which is a form of CP), Cerebral Palsy, marfans, Parkinson’s, Down’s syndrome, complex learning disabilities, autism, to those with limbs missing. After a month, I could see a vast improvement in their conditions. Their co-ordination was better, and were really enjoying the class. As time went on, I was seeing an improvement in those with complex learning disabilities and they were starting to copy me. This is an amazing feeling when someone who hardly speaks, and is very slow at processing does what you do! They communicate how much they like the class by hugging you – that is such a special feeling. One even got up on stage every week and did there own dance. This is really important to me as it’s them gaining confidence, and having the ability to do a dance in-front of the class. It is also giving them a chance to have that opportunity which they wouldn’t normally be given. I also had various wheelchair users come to class. One started slimming world before coming to my class, struggled to lose weight before, came to my class and within 2 weeks had lost 3lbs, this is a lot for a wheelchair user as they do not burn the same amount of energy as those who are not in a wheelchair.

EMD – Feel for Zumba Class

The ‘feel for’ project was a success, and the class has continued growing. I’m mixing the class up now with some strength and conditioning to help them to be stronger and continue to improve.

There is no reason to discount those that have disabilities. Treat them with respect and think outside the box and the rewards you’ll feel will be huge.

You can gain discount on insurance (which includes equipment cover, if you cannot work due to injury and discounted PPL) and courses with EMD with my discount code SJAMES.

For more information about me, please go to www.inclusfit.co.uk