For individuals with developmental disabilities, fitness can be more than just exercise—it can be a pathway to confidence, independence, and healthier routines. However, traditional fitness programs are often not designed to accommodate diverse learning and communication styles. James Anderson, CSCS, founder of Better Everyday Athletics, advocates for an inclusive approach that starts with one simple principle: meet people where they are.
Anderson's philosophy is built on five principles that guide his work with individuals, families, and organizations. The first principle, "Meet People Where They Are," emphasizes understanding each person's unique abilities and starting point rather than forcing them into a conventional program. This begins with an initial consultation to tailor movements and exercises to the individual, ensuring that fitness is a supportive and progressive experience.
The second principle, "Move With Purpose," stems from Anderson's background in both personal training and behavioral health. He observed that purposeful movement can extend beyond physical exercise, helping individuals integrate healthy habits into their daily lives and achieve broader personal goals. This insight was shaped by an early experience with a behavioral health client, which demonstrated the potential of movement to support everyday functioning.
Building better habits is the third principle. Anderson stresses that inclusive fitness is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Progress can manifest in various ways—whether it's gaining strength, developing confidence, establishing a routine, or learning a new skill. Even small victories, like discovering "I can do this," are significant milestones.
The fourth principle, "Strengthen the Whole Family," reflects Anderson's personal journey as a father. He found that maintaining his own fitness helped him manage the stresses of parenthood, which reinforced his belief that healthy habits have a ripple effect on the entire family. This idea is central to his book, Legacy of Health: A Parent's Guide to Building Strength, Energy, and Longevity for the Next Generation, which encourages parents to consider the long-term impact of their health choices on their children.
Finally, "Create Lifelong Independence" focuses on helping individuals recognize their capabilities and build from there. Anderson's work has yielded tangible results: one parent reported her daughter gained "confidence and empowerment," while another described her son's progress from struggling to run a quarter mile to completing a half mile and regularly biking to the store. Julie McNeil, Day Program Director at FRIENDS of Broomfield, praised Anderson's ability to understand individual needs and creatively challenge clients to achieve more.
The Better Every Day Method, as outlined on mybettereveryday.org, is built on these five principles. Anderson, an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and former Registered Behavior Technician, brings over 15 years of experience working with families and individuals with disabilities. His message is straightforward: start with the person, not the program. By meeting individuals where they are and building sustainable habits, inclusive fitness can lead to meaningful, lifelong progress.
For organizations interested in hosting Anderson for keynotes or workshops, more information is available at mybettereveryday.org/speaking-engagements. His book is available on Amazon.
