Fitness, Nutrition and Special Needs

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Special Olympics and Challenger Baseball have some competition.
The YMCA of Central Virginia is offering a new fitness and nutrition program specifically for members of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability, or IDD, community.
Already, 15 students have signed up.
“It’s a different kind of opportunity for the special needs population,” said Cindy Capps, who began teaching the first class in January. Between cycling and zumba lessons, Capps inspires students to consider water instead of soda and yogurt instead of ice cream. YMCA staff modified a fitness and nutrition program called “Shapedown” to meet the specific needs of those in the class. Each activity — such as doing bicep curls with bands —can work for a variety of abilities.