Researchers and students from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation collaborated with The Steadward Centre in research and program delivery for an innovative instructional approach to incorporate self compassion as part of a fitness class.

TSC instructors and volunteers were trained by the research team on how to integrate self compassion prompts for participants into an adult fitness program at The Steadward Centre. This included prompts such as being kind to the self and practicing reflection. While there are benefits to including self compassion practice into exercise- in research, the opportunities in adapted physical activity (APA) are more rare and understudied compared to exercise in the broad population. In continuing to innovate and partner in APA instruction, TSC enhances the fitness experience for participants and helps to advance the field of APA.

This research and instruction project demonstrates the potential to expand an embodied self compassion training program for instructors and that delivering APA instruction with self compassion prompts can help individuals practice self compassion through movement in APA fitness classes.