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When people think of fitness for kids, they often picture sports teams or running laps for PE class. But for many children, especially those with disabilities, fitness starts with something much simpler: learning how to move. At Specialty Athletic Training, we focus on the basics. Before a child can play tag or shoot a basketball, they need to be able to crawl, jump, skip, and run. These movements are more than just play; they're critical for a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Gross motor skills are the foundation of movement. They're what allow a child to balance, explore their environment, and eventually participate in play with others. These early movements build strength, coordination, and confidence; setting the stage for lifelong independence. But not every child picks up these skills on their own. Some need to be taught. All of them need opportunity.  why gross motor skills matterGross motor skills are large movements - like crawling, jumping, skipping and running - that form the foundation for nearly everything else a child will do physcially. These skills impact not only how they move, but also how they learn communicate and interact with the world around them. Let's break a few of them down: CrawlingCrawling builds core strength, stability, and coordination between the right and left sides of the body. It's the foundation for balance, posture, and future movement patterns. When a child skips crawling, they're missing more than mobility. They're missing an essential developmental experience. jumping: power + controlJumping teaches kids how to generate force and control their landing. It helps with joint development, spatial awareness, and confidence. It's one of those movements that makes a kid feel strong. And that matters! skipping: The most underrated skill in childhood developmentYou want to test a child's coordination, rhythm, and timing? Have them skip. Skipping requires bilateral coordination, timing, and balance. It's a skill that often gets overlooked, but it's a huge indicator of neuromuscular development. If a child struggles to skip, that might be a sign they need support in developing foundational movement patterns. And when they learn to skip? You can see the pride all over their face! running: freedom in motionRunning is the ultimate expression of movement freedom. Whether chasing a friend, running bases, or just doing laps for fun, it builds cardiovascular endurance and confidence. For kids with disabilities, learning to run safely and efficiently can be life-changing. movement has to be taughtThe truth? Not every child develops these skills naturally. Some need structure. Some need repetition. All of them need support.
So whether your child is just getting started or catching up, remember: movement is a skill. And like any skill, it grows with coaching, consistency, and care.
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As a parent, I understand the constant tug-of-war between wanting the best for our kids and navigating a food system that often feels stacked against us. When I heard about the recent bans on artificial food dyes and certain seed oils, I was encouraged. These are steps in the right direction—toward a cleaner, healthier food environment for our families. But here’s the hard truth I’ve learned through both parenting and over a decade of training individuals with disabilities: removing food dyes and seed oils won’t fix the obesity epidemic. Not for our kids. Not for us. THE FOOD QUALITY VS QUANITY TRAP Let’s be honest—most of us want to feed our kids better. We’re relieved when schools take soda out of the cafeteria or when brands start making “cleaner” snack options. But even without the bright blue dyes and inflammatory oils, kids (and adults) can still overeat. Obesity isn’t just about what’s in our food—it’s about how much of it we’re consuming. You can eat “all-natural” snacks and still end up in a calorie surplus. That’s the part most people don’t want to talk about. But it matters. WHAT THE BANS DO HELP WITH Don’t get me wrong—these changes are important:
But they don’t teach our kids how to listen to hunger cues. They don’t model what a balanced plate looks like. And they certainly don’t replace movement, connection, or healthy habits at home. WHAT OUR KIDS NEED MORE THAN EVER As parents, our job isn’t just to feed our children—it’s to help them build a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. That means:
These are the lessons that stick. These are the habits that prevent obesity—not just cleaner food labels. THE BOTTOM LINE I’m glad the food industry is being held to higher standards. But let’s not fall into the trap of thinking that cleaner food alone will solve everything. The root of the issue is deeper—and it starts at home. As parents, we have the opportunity to do more than just buy the “better” version of the snack. We can create environments where our kids feel empowered, informed, and supported in making choices that serve their long-term health. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Brezlyn Hagemeister doesn’t back down from challenges—she rises through them. A sophomore at Ridgeview High School, Brezlyn made headlines this season as one of the most dominant pitchers in the state. She played a key role in leading her team to a state championship and earned a reputation as one of the top arms in Oregon—regardless of classification. But her success isn’t just about talent. It’s about grit, resilience, and the fire that’s been building inside her for years. Brezlyn was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and has faced doubters ever since. Some people saw her diagnosis as a limitation. She saw it as motivation. Every time someone underestimated her, she used it to fuel her growth—on and off the field. We had the privilege of working with Brezlyn at Specialty Athletic Training shortly after she received her diagnosis, and even back then, her determination was undeniable. She showed up ready to work and never made excuses—even while managing a chronic health condition. With the unwavering support of her family, her teammates, and her loyal companion “Scout,” Brezlyn has turned adversity into strength. She’s become a leader, a competitor, and an inspiration to other young athletes navigating similar challenges.
Her story is one of perseverance and purpose. And the best part? She’s only a sophomore. We couldn’t be prouder to have played a small role in Brezlyn’s journey. From her early training days with us to her latest championship run, she continues to prove what’s possible when passion meets hard work. Congratulations, Brezlyn—we’re all rooting for you. And we can’t wait to see what’s next. When people think of fitness, they often focus on the physical—getting stronger, building endurance, losing weight. But for our clients at Specialty Athletic Training, the benefits of fitness go way beyond the physical. One of the most powerful tools we use isn’t a piece of equipment or a fancy exercise technique—it’s routine. Routine builds trust, creates safety, and gives our clients a sense of control in a world that often feels unpredictable. Many individuals we serve thrive in structured environments. Whether they’re living with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other disabilities, having a consistent, predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and boosts their ability to engage. When they know what to expect—who they’ll be with, what they’ll be doing, how long it will last—it removes a major barrier to participation. But here’s the real magic: routine doesn’t just help our clients show up. It helps them grow.  When we repeat exercises week after week, we reinforce movement patterns, improve motor planning, and create opportunities to build confidence. Our clients begin to recognize that they can do hard things. They see their progress. Most importantly, they start to believe in themselves.
For some, just walking through the gym door was once a big win. Now? They’re setting goals. Pushing sleds. Trying new movements. Smiling more. Talking more. Advocating for themselves. That doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through the power of showing up, consistently, in a place where they feel safe and supported. Fitness for our community isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And progress lives in routine. So if you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional wondering where to start—start with consistency. Make it a habit. Make it predictable. Show up for them, and you’ll be amazed at how they show up for themselves. At Specialty Athletic Training, we’re not just building stronger bodies—we’re building stronger routines, stronger confidence, and stronger lives. |
About the AuthorRyan Lockard, CSCS*D, CSPS*D is the Founder and CEO of Specialty Athletic Training. He is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Special Populations Specialist. Lockard is currently the NSCA Oregon State Director and has served on numerous non-profit boards serving the disability community, including the Autism Society of America.
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