News & Media

A Health Messenger from Special Olympics Connecticut had the opportunity to teach other Special Olympics athletes a program called Fit 5 at the Cheshire YMCA for 8 weeks.

Fit 5 is based on 3 goals of exercising 5 days a week, eating 5 total fruit and vegetables per day, and drink 5 bottles of water per day. The Fit 5 program focuses on athlete health, fitness, and performance.

The Fit 5 class was on Mondays at the YMCA, and sessions were 45 minutes long. Each week, the group learned strength, endurance, balance and flexibility exercises to do at home or at the gym. For the first 5 to 15 minutes, the Health Messenger taught the group about the Fit 5 program, and the rest of the time athletes had the opportunity to utilize the gym equipment including the bike, elliptical and treadmill.

The Fit 5 class had a good turn out with 6 participants who gave positive feedback. One athlete said “I look forward to coming back every week.”

Now that the weather is nice, the Health Messenger would like to teach another 8-week Fit 5 class focusing on getting outside to stay healthy. Some of the athletes would like to work on more arm and balance exercises and ways to improve their fitness. Some athletes said they would like to listen to music while working out to motivate them. One of the athletes says that she feels good when she is done with the class. One caregiver said that she would like to learn about sodium, food labels, and how to eat healthier.

If you would like to get more information about Fit 5 and teach your athletes, please contact Paige Bullock at [email protected].

Angie D'Amico is an athlete, staff member, Global Messenger, and Health Leader for Special Olympics Connecticut.