This article explores the amazing work that Alternative Movement is doing by challenging misconceptions surrounding people with disabilities and fitness. It describes the transformative impact that Alt Movement has had on its community, and in many cases, how it has changed the lives of so many disabled athletes from across Essex.
Inclusive
I spoke with owner and trainer, Craig Graham, about the amazing work that he does, and why he created his community. Here’s what he said:
“Alternative Movement specialises in helping adaptive athletes achieve their full potential. Rather than looking at what a person with a disability or impairment can’t do, we look at the things they can do.” He added: “I’ll give you an example: Maybe someone can’t perform a deadlift in the conventional way. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t expose them to the same movement in a different way. We want to create an inclusive environment to train and educate others about disability fitness.”
Training as an adaptive athlete means using a range of varied functional movements and practising them at high intensity. All sessions are designed with different abilities in mind.
Personal experience
I can tell you from experience that it really works. Although I am a journalism student, I am also a regular member of the Alternative Movement community, and have been for the last three years. I can confidently say that it has changed my life.
I have quadriplegic cerebral palsy which affects all four of my limbs but mainly my legs. Before I joined the Alternative Movement community, I never really enjoyed conventional physio or rehabilitation as I found it boring and repetitive.
I struggled for a long time with low confidence and isolation, but since my journey began at Alt, my confidence has improved dramatically, and I no longer feel isolated. I now feel as though I have a place where I am understood, and it feels like a family. It’s also enjoyable to socialise with other young people with disabilities or impairments, and it helps me feel less alone as we all have shared experiences.
New horizons
Here’s what adaptive athlete Lauren had to say about how Alternative Movement has impacted her since she became disabled: “Before I became disabled, I had never been to a gym in my life. Alt feels like a community, and has given me a real sense of belonging… It’s just knowing I have such a good support network that keeps me coming back. It’s been a blessing in my life.”
Specialised competitions
Since founding Alt Movement, Craig and others who support his work have come together to create Wodaptive, which specialises in developing adaptive functional fitness competitions to suit every athlete and their ability. This has also been instrumental in helping young athletes to become more confident and gain strength.
By offering an inclusive and supportive environment for adaptive athletes, Alternative Movement is not just changing individuals’ lives, but reshaping the way we think about fitness for disabled people. In today’s society, they are sometimes overlooked.
This gym is a striking reminder that with the right support and mindset, anyone is able to achieve their full potential.
