April is National Autism Month with an Emphasis on Fitness

The Ability Center of Southern Nevada offers specially designed physical capability programs

The Ability Center of Southern Nevada is a nonprofit organization offering a sensory gym with a structured environment. People with special needs are guided to develop their communication, motor skills, mobility, and wellness through physical fitness. 

April is National Autism Month with a spectrum of varying degrees of complex developmental conditions  affecting interaction, communication, and progress, including physical fitness. The Ability Center of  Southern Nevada offers access to physical exercise to the special needs community, including those on  the spectrum. 

“It is so important for those on the autism spectrum to gain physical fitness in an environment designed to  make them more comfortable and excited for exercise,” says Founder Chris Salas, a personal trainer. “We have created an imaginative gym with sensory settings to make each experience a pleasant one so that our  clients on the spectrum will want to return and continue their progress.” 

The Sensory Fitness Center is a unique gym with imaginative backgrounds, tailored equipment, and  motivating coaches focusing on each individual’s natural abilities. Clients are guided safely through  workout-style activities involving costumes, dance, music, and sports with fun lighting, inspiring themes,  and backdrops. Most members with special needs will require other services such as occupational, speech,  or other medical therapies. 

Most members with special needs will require other services such as occupational, speech, or other  medical therapies. The Ability Center of Southern Nevada does not replace those treatments but seeks to  increase their effects. Sensory gyms and exercises help with fine motor skills, body awareness, and social  skills as well as improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Sensory gyms benefit the special  needs community in gaining exercise independence, improved communication, strengthening self-care  habits and attention spans. 

The board of directors of The Ability Center of Southern Nevada includes founder Chris Salas, a personal  trainer; Desiree Jimerson, vice president of Assured Partner Consulting, certified wellness coach and  licensed insurance consultant; and Sandy Marsh R.N., Utilization Review Services. Also serving on the board is Tom Boeckle, founder, former creator and chairman of the board of Square Panda; founder, PT Innovation Group (PT’s Pub); founder, chairman of the board and CEO/President of Tower Entertainment  Las Vegas. 

To learn more about The Ability Center of Southern Nevada, follow them on Facebook: The Ability  Center of Southern Nevada, Instagram @ability_center_nv ,call (702) 525-8453 or visit  www.abilitycenternv.org. 

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