Bethany Noble initially started working in adaptive fitness and with diverse populations when she was based at a rehabilitation center. She was recognized by the physiotherapist team and asked to work with their rehabilitation clients. She started with Spinal Cord Injuries as her first rehabilitation client and received direct referrals from physios. Bethany emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of physical exercise for everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. She believes that personal trainers should be directly referred to individuals who have experienced a life-changing circumstance. Bethany also discusses the importance of attitude, positive reinforcement, and personalized programming when working with diverse populations. In this conversation, Brendan and Bethany discuss the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the fitness industry and they highlight the need for fitness professionals to think outside the box and adapt exercises and equipment to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities or health conditions. Bethany shares her experience of working in a non-traditional gym environment and how she markets her program through LinkedIn. They also discuss the landscape of inclusion and adaptive fitness in the UK compared to the US. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, being open to new ideas, and creating a supportive network. To learn more about Bethany and BGC Rehabilitation, visit the links below,

Bethany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-noble-574077152/

BGC Rehabilitation: https://www.bgcrehabilitation.com/

Keywords: adaptive fitness, diverse populations, rehabilitation, physiotherapist, referrals, value of exercise, attitude, positive reinforcement, personalized programming, accessibility, inclusivity, fitness industry, adaptation, equipment, unconventional, mindset, environment, marketing, LinkedIn, learning, support

Takeaways

• Recognition from the physiotherapist team led to Bethany working with rehabilitation clients
• Direct referrals from physios are important in the field of adaptive fitness
• Understanding the value of exercise for everyone is crucial
• Attitude and positive reinforcement play a significant role in training individuals with disabilities
• Personalized programming is essential when working with diverse populations. Fitness professionals should focus on the bigger picture of exercise and fitness, rather than getting caught up in the minutia of specific exercises or rep schemes.
• Thinking outside the box and adapting exercises and equipment can make fitness more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities or health conditions.
• Creating a quiet and distraction-free environment can be beneficial for clients with sensory sensitivities.
• Overcoming self-doubt and embracing vulnerability is essential for personal and professional growth.
• The landscape of inclusion and adaptive fitness varies between countries, but exposure and belief systems play a significant role in promoting inclusivity.

Chapters

00:00 Recognition and Referrals

02:36 The Value of Exercise for Everyone

03:21 Attitude and Positive Reinforcement

09:19 Personalized Programming

29:37 Adapting Exercises and Equipment for Accessibility

32:26 Thinking Outside the Box in Fitness

36:49 Creating an Inclusive Environment

43:37 Marketing and Networking on LinkedIn

48:25 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Vulnerability