Golden, CO – Kelly Sorge, the Director of Fitness at the Colorado School of Mines, has recently completed the Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer (AIT) certificate seminar, a program designed to equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with adaptive athletes. Kelly's motivation for pursuing the AIT certification stemmed from her desire to provide more proactive and inclusive fitness experiences, particularly for students and staff at the School of Mines who have disabilities.

Kelly's journey into adaptive fitness began a year ago when an upper extremity adaptive athlete joined her 10-week barbell-focused small group training class. Faced with the challenge of modifying exercises to accommodate her new participant, Kelly found herself improvising in real-time. After successfully working with the athlete to adapt exercises and witnessing significant progress, including an impressive increase in her deadlift strength, Kelly knew she needed to deepen her knowledge of adaptive fitness.
 

"I wanted to be more proactive than reactive when it comes to adaptive athletes," Kelly explains. "After seeing such great progress with my athlete, I realized that I wanted to learn more so I could create a more inclusive and adaptive environment for all."

The AIT certification provided Kelly with the tools she needed to do just that. One of the most impactful aspects of the training, she says, was the opportunity to experience exercises through the lens of various disabilities. A particularly eye-opening moment occurred during a squat exercise designed for lower extremity athletes. "Getting to feel what it's like to not be able to shift your knees forward in a squat was truly eye-opening," Kelly reflects. "This practical experience changed the way I think about a lot of the exercises I use."

The hands-on component of the AIT certification was a key factor for Kelly, who strongly encourages other fitness professionals to take the course in person. "The videos and textbooks are helpful, but nothing can replace the real-world experience of spotting a wheelchair, rowing with one arm, or deadlifting without hip function," she adds.

Kelly's newfound expertise is poised to make a significant impact at the Colorado School of Mines. As Director of Fitness, she is now equipped to offer more adaptive and inclusive fitness opportunities for students and staff. Her experience and training will help ensure that individuals of all abilities feel welcome and empowered to engage in physical activities. Kelly emphasizes that every athlete is unique, and it's essential for trainers to communicate consistently with their athletes to understand their goals, abilities, and limitations.
 

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to adaptive training, " she says. "It's important to tailor each session to the individual." — Kelly Sorge , Director of Fitness at the Colorado School of Mines

With her AIT certification in hand, Kelly is excited to bring these lessons to the School of Mines community. Her goal is to foster an environment where all students, regardless of ability, can thrive and reach their full potential in fitness. Kelly's passion for adaptive fitness is sure to create lasting positive change for the Colorado School of Mines, making it a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone.

For Kelly, this certification isn't just about learning new skills; it's about creating a culture of inclusion where every athlete, regardless of their ability, can feel confident and supported in their fitness journey.
 

About the Adaptive Training Academy

The Adaptive Training Academy (ATA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and certification for fitness professionals who want to expand their ability to work with adaptive athletes. ATA offers specialized programs like the Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer (AIT) certificate course, combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure trainers can effectively support individuals with disabilities. By equipping trainers with the tools they need to modify exercises and foster inclusive fitness environments, ATA plays a pivotal role in making fitness more accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.


- Press Release by Alec Zirkenbach, Trainer at the Adaptive Training Academy. Learn more at www.ata.fit and instagram.com/adaptivetraining