In our quest to bring fitness and health to the autistic population, we will share with you how and why physical fitness training is beneficial and a form of therapy. While many believe structured weight training is not possible with many autistic individuals, we believe the effort put into instruction is so worth the outcome. By examining kinesthetic intelligence, kinesthetic learning, and weight lifting as meditation, we will see how physical fitness training has positive effects on the autistic individual.
What is and makes bodily kinesthetic intelligence important? Kinesthetic Intelligence is one’s sense for any physical movement. Our emotional intelligence is rooted in kinesthetic awareness which means our body can tell us about our feelings. All human emotions are created from a hidden kinesthetic experience; such as, emotions that happen when we read an inspiring novel or a sad tragedy or when we watch a horror movie and feel scared or seized. These feelings and emotions come from within our bodies are all kinesthetic in nature.
The development of kinesthetic intelligence is an essential tool that contributes to significant aspects; such as, invisible control of motions within our body, a capability to handle objects and things with good skills and an ability to use the entire body to get required motions. Kinesthetic intelligence is one of the six basic Multiple Intelligences and it refers to a keen sense of knowing how our bodies and their components are moving in perfect balance.
Kinesthetic learning or “tactile learning” is a learning style in which learning takes place by the participant carrying out physical activities rather than listening to a lecture or watching demonstrations. Each skill is instructed using visuals and body movements so the individual is fully engaged. It is believed that bodily-kinesthetic intelligence helps many individuals learn in a practical sense. A successful and proven approach for those with autism is in teaching exercise using visuals and structured body movements.
Kinesthetic physical awareness refers to the knowledge of your surroundings that you receive via the sensory receptors in your joints, muscles and skin, reports the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education. Kinesthetic awareness develops as you age; however, in some people kinesthetic ability doesn't develop as it should and exercise can help to improve skills in this area. Kinesthetic learning develops coordination, body timing and improved sense of one’s body in space.
The practice of weightlifting has much in common with the art of meditation. Meditation is simply focusing your mind on a single point of reference. Meditation is being in the present moment and the easiest way to do this is focusing on the breath; our breath connects us to the present. Weightlifting is a pattern of meditation; breathe in, breathe out, hold and repeat. The process of one’s entire attention on the lifting of weights, the sensation of muscles contracting and releasing, the roughness of one’s skin against the weight in the hand and the sweat that is created by using energy combines to create a form of meditation with movement. The idea that meditation can take the form of physical activity may seem strange, but it’s a necessary approach for kids who can’t keep their bodies quiet and still. Meditation addresses three critical areas with which kids with autism struggle: motor skills, sensory regulation and socialization. Weightlifting addresses a connection between our body and our mind, our sensory input and behavioral output, our internal self and the external world around us.
Much research has shown exercise has a positive impact on autism; however, most parents, educators and even autism professionals are unaware of its benefits. The development of kinesthetic intelligence and kinesthetic learning helps one to become more aware and act accordingly. The technique of weightlifting movement meditation helps one to focus and be in the present moment. Among the positive effects reported as a result of exercise in the autistic population are reduction in aggressive behavior, decrease in body fat, improvement in motor coordination and manual muscle strength and academic performance. By all counts, the characteristics of physical fitness training are very beneficial tools contributing to improving an autistic individual’s life. As an Exercise Physiologist, the endeavor is to change people’s lives and there is a great opportunity to do so in the autism community.
