Fit Fun Connect is a social and fitness-based group program designed to help participants build confidence, connection, movement skills, and healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment. This movement-based social participation program designed to support adults with developmental disabilities, related support needs, and active older adults.

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We combine physical fitness, guided social interaction, and self-regulation strategies to help participants build confidence, independence, and healthy daily routines.

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Each class blends:

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• guided conversations around health, life skills, and mindset

• a warm-up and calisthenic-style movement routine

• engaging group games, challenges, and fitness-based activities​

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The goal is to help participants stay active, feel included, and have something they genuinely look forward to each week.

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Who is Fit Fun Connect for?

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Fit Fun Connect is open to all participants based on appropriate age groupings.

 

• The program is specially designed to support adults with developmental disabilities, while also encouraging broader community participation when appropriate. Adults with developmental disabilities seeking structured, community-based group activities

• Individuals utilizing OPWDD Self-Direction budgets.

• Mobile older adults interested in fitness, social connection, and purposeful engagement.

• Children and teens who benefit from inclusive group activities.

• Siblings and families seeking shared experiences between typically developing and disabled family members.

• Community members who value inclusive, welcoming environments.

 

Our aim is to create a space that is welcoming, energizing, inclusive, and socially engaging.

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                         Program Goals / Core Outcomes

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Participants improve:

• Physical fitness, balance, and coordination

• Emotional regulation and stress management

• Social communication and peer connection

• Confidence in group and community settings

• Ability to follow structure, routines, and multi-step direction.

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                                         Our Approach

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Fit Fun Connect is designed by Justin Lyons, an occupational therapy professional, national lecturer and life/mindset coach with over two decades of experience providing both group programming and individualized support across diverse populations. His work integrates evidence-informed occupational therapy principles with practical, real-world strategies shaped through years of hands-on experience addressing the developmental, social, emotional, and functional challenges faced by individuals across both youth and adulthood.

This program was developed through extensive clinical and community-based experience identifying the barriers individuals face in areas such as social participation, self-regulation, physical engagement, and independent functioning.

 

We use a structured, predictable format that blends:

• Movement-based fitness activities

• Social skill development

• Emotional regulation and stress management strategies

• Group cooperation and engagement

• Mindfulness and reflective practices

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This integrated approach supports both physical and cognitive development while strengthening social confidence, emotional control, and overall well-being in group settings.

Programming is also supported by trained staff with backgrounds in healthcare, occupational support, and fitness. Most importantly, the team is grounded in a genuine commitment to creating a positive, respectful, and engaging environment where participants can build connection, confidence, and enjoyment in both peer and community settings.

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Do participants need to be athletic or “in shape” to join?

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Not at all! If significant support is needed for someone who wants to join, we will coordinate a way to make it work! Fit Fun Connect is designed to meet participants where they are. No advanced fitness level is required.

Activities are structured to support:

• beginners

• varying coordination levels

• different comfort levels with exercise

• a wide range of physical and social abilities

The focus is on participation, movement, increased life knowledge, confidence, and fun — not perfection.

 

How are activities adapted for different ability levels?

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All fitness and movement activities are modified based on participant ability.

Classes are guided by an expert occupational therapist and his team, allowing activities to be adjusted to support:

• different physical abilities

• endurance levels

• coordination and motor planning needs

• comfort with social participation

This helps create a safe and encouraging experience while still keeping the class active and engaging.

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What does a typical class look like?

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A typical Fit Fun Connect class may include:

• conversation and connection around health, life skills, or mindset

• a warm-up

• a fun calisthenic exercise routine

• interactive group games and challenges

• fitness-based activities with a playful, social twist

Each class is designed to keep participants moving, thinking, interacting, and having fun. This is the true for each Fit Fun Connect group, whether that be for an adult, youth or mixed aged population.

 

Is this more of a fitness class or a social group?

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It’s both — and that’s what makes it unique.

Fit Fun Connect combines:

• movement and exercise

• social interaction

• confidence building

• life skills and healthy habits

Participants are not just “working out” — they are also practicing communication, teamwork, self-expression, and participation in a group setting.

 

Can participants join more than one class a week?

 

Yes. Participants may sign up for more than one class if space is available.

Additional classes can be added for an extra cost or under a premium package, making it possible for participants to increase their activity, social opportunities, and weekly structure.  There are various monthly membership options.  

 

Why do spots need to be reserved in advance?

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Spots must be reserved in advance to help ensure:

• appropriate staffing support

• class organization

• proper equipment and space planning

• availability for all participants

Because class sizes are intentionally kept manageable, advanced sign-up helps us create the best possible experience for everyone involved.

 

Are drop-ins allowed?

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Yes — drop-ins may be coordinated in advance at a one-time/drop-in rate, if space is available. We would need at least one days notice for a first time drop in, to ensure any forms or specific information is needed before participation in the group. 

Drop-ins are not guaranteed without prior coordination, so we strongly recommend reaching out ahead of time to check availability.

 

How many participants are in each group?

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Group sizes are intentionally kept limited to help maintain quality, safety, engagement, and individualized support. Smaller group sizes allow participants to receive more individualized guidance while creating a more comfortable environment for social connection and participation. Our goal is to keep classes capped at no more than 8- 10 members per group ). This helps ensure that Fit Fun Connect offers more than just a typical group fitness class by intentionally supporting areas such as motor coordination, social skills, and overall participation with skilled staff in a setting that is focused, supportive, and less distracting.

 

Who leads the classes?

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Classes are guided by an expert occupational therapist/ life/mindset coach and carefully chosen mixed staff of healthcare and/or education professionals, graduate students pursuing degrees in health care and fitness professionals. This means participants benefit from a program that is not only fun and active, but also intentionally designed with an understanding of:​

• movement development

• social participation

• sensory and regulation needs

• confidence and life skill growth

 

What are the benefits of joining Fit Fun Connect?

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Participants may benefit from:

• improved confidence

• increased physical activity

• better body awareness and coordination

• social connection and interaction

• healthier routines

• improved participation in group settings

• a fun and supportive sense of community

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Most importantly, Fit Fun Connect is designed to give participants a place where they can move, connect, and feel successful.

 

How do I sign up?

You can sign up online by selecting the class that best fits your needs and availability.

Because space may be limited, we recommend reserving your spot early. Certain classes may require a waitlist. If you are unable to complete a session in a week due to a scheduling conflict from us, we will make it right by crediting you an extra class or work to add additional classes dependent upon gym space and appropriate staff.

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If you have questions about class fit, age grouping, support needs, or scheduling, feel free to reach out to fitfunconnect@gmail.com before registering