A Fitness Program that Fits Bethesda

For some of the individuals who receive services and supports from Bethesda, maintaining a proper physical fitness plan can be very challenging. However, helping individuals maintain muscle tone and dexterity in areas of need is a must.

In an effort to meet these needs head on, Marianne Caprino, a supported living manager for a Bethesda group home in Fort Wayne, Ind., went looking for a place for people served by Bethesda to go for fitness training in the fall of 2003. Caprino had heard about a new place that was just opening in Fort Wayne called Spiece Fieldhouse, so she called to introduce herself and let them know that she worked with people with developmental disabilities who might be interested in joining their club.

Caprino states that the manager at Spiece was very excited about the possibility and invited her to come and take a tour of the facility.

During the tour, it didn't take long for Caprino to see that Spiece had much to offer those who are interested in improving their physical fitness, including an elevated indoor track for running or walking, eight full-sized basketball courts, as well as a deli and lounging area where people can choose from a variety of healthy snacks.

What excited Caprino the most was finding out that the facilities at Spiece Fieldhouse contained several amenities for individuals with disabilities, including a therapy pool with a chairlift, fully accessible bathrooms and changing/locker rooms, and fully accessible exercise equipment. In addition, one of the Spiece employees was a former physical education teacher for individuals with disabilities and works to create fitness programs geared toward people with disabilities.

In the months following Caprino's initial contact with the manager of the Spiece facility, five individuals who receive services and supports from Bethesda in Fort Wayne joined the health club.

As the Spiece facilities have been used more and more by the individuals from Bethesda, the greatest feature coming out of this endeavor has been that it's entirely a team effort. When the individuals are interested in working out, Bethesda staff members will accompany them to Spiece and act as their personal trainers. In addition, Spiece staff members regularly interact with the individuals who receive services at Bethesda during the time they are working out, and sit and talk with them when they stop for a snack at the deli after their workout.

"The individuals from Bethesda who go there to work out and the staff members at Spiece really enjoy each other's company," states Caprino.

This was proven in October when Spiece sponsored a fundraiser for Bethesda, where Spiece staff members pledged money for each hour they cycled on the stationary bikes. All proceeds were donated to Bethesda to provide services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

It was a loving gesture that goes to show you what a great team that Spiece staff members and individuals who receive services through Bethesda in Fort Wayne have become.

Not only have they touched each other's heart, but they are making sure that they all have healthy ones as well.