By Eric CHESSEN, M.S

What does fitness really mean?

Kevin wasn’t one to finish up a chore. While gardening, he would frequently stop midway through bagging leaves, or wander off when it was time to carry them. This was how it was for years.

When his mom Laura started implementing a homebased fitness program, it was to improve Kevin’s general strength and motor skills. Then there was ‘The Carry.’

While doing fall cleanup around their Northeastern US home, Laura stood yards away watching as Kevin hoisted up a heavy pile of sticks, carrying them from one side of their backyard to the other. He’d never done this before; certainly not on his own, and not with the confidence and capability demonstrated here.

Fitness occupies an odd space, as you can ask a dozen people what “fitness” means and get a dozen answers. The modern gym setup, with treadmills and machines, does not make the conversation any clearer. 

An underappreciated yet crucial aspect for quality of life, a general misrepresentation has left fitness at a low position for the ASD and neurodiverse population.

What fitness really is

Physical fitness is preparing the body for the challenges of everyday life. Bending /squatting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and locomotion are all part of daily living. It is easy to take for granted these skills. However, when we consider many of the strength and motor planning challenges for the ASD population, we can call into question whether these skills are fully developed.