Staying motivated to keep active and look after your physical health and fitness can be a challenge for all of us. Keeping moving can sometimes feel even more impossible for people with accessibility requirements, especially without consistent support of community groups or expensive specialised equipment.
Javeno McLean is here to help! A personal trainer with over 20 years experience, Javeno is known for his addictive enthusiasm and work with the elderly and disabled community. Javeno has supported people with a wide range of health conditions and disabilities, and throughout the years he has gained knowledge that can help introduce more movement and activity into people’s lives.
Super Movers for Every Body reached out to Javeno for his top five tips for helping the whole community stay active and fall in love with fitness and sport. If you’re a parent or teacher of a disabled child / children, and even if you’re not, Javeno has some insights worth listening to.
Javeno Mclean:Yes, guys, my name's Javeno McLean. I'm the owner of J7 Health Center.
I'm an exercise specialist and I know I may not look old enough but believe it or not, I've been training people for 22 fantastic years.I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing, despite their age or ability.
These are my top five tips for how you can get disabled children and the disabled community active, healthy and falling in love with health and fitness and sport.
Number one, remember that we are all humans.
The main thing to worry about is don't worry about what people can't do, worry about what they can do.You're doing amazing. You're going to make mistakes, it's all good, it's part of the procedure.
Number two, be optimistic.
Optimism is everything.
Disabled people are used to a pattern of negativity and boredom when it comes to sport and fitness. Break the pattern, show them that exercise, sport… it's amazing, it's awesome, it's for you. The gym is for everyone.
It's going to give you improved self-confidence, improved self-worth, self-belief. As well as getting your muscle up, it's going you to give you a smile, a purpose, a happiness.
Number three, do not underestimate no one.
Some of the strongest, most resilient, unbreakable people I've ever trained have been in wheelchairs, have had Down's syndrome, have had cerebral palsy. They are unbelievable.
Longevity in sport and health and fitness is fuelled by challenges giving people reasons to stay motivated. Goals, challenges, tasks, missions, push the boundaries.
Number four, entertainment.
Put on a show, put on a performance, make people smile, make people laugh, make people forget about yesterday, make people forget about tomorrow. That smile, that happiness keeps you very present, right here, right now. That's the power and that's the beauty of sport.
Number five, get involved.
If you're going to spectate, go to Wembley. Sport is better together. Sport is better when there's involvement, any opportunity, get involved whether it's spiritually, mentally, emotionally. Don't be afraid to look silly. Don't be afraid to put yourself in other people's shoes.
Getting involved symbolises love, it symbolises care, community and normality. It gives people the realisation that someone cares.
Thanks Javeno!
Javeno’s tips can be applied to anyone, whether you’re trying to get active yourself, or you’re a parent, carer, teacher, trainer or coach of a disabled person. These tips can also be adapted to help with any small lifestyle change that might feel daunting at first.
Here’s a quick recap…
1. Remember, we’re all human
Don’t worry about what people can’t do, worry about what they can do! You’re going to make mistakes and that’s okay, it’s all part of the procedure. It is essential to remember to treat yourself and others with care, compassion, respect and kindness, because everyone must start somewhere.
2. Be optimistic
Optimism is everything because disabled people can be used to a pattern of negativity and boredom when it comes to sport and fitness. Break the pattern - show them that exercise and sport is for everyone. As well as getting your muscle up, it’s going to give you improved self-confidence and self-belief, a smile and a purpose.
3. Don’t underestimate anyone
Some of the strongest, most resilient, unbreakable people have been wheelchair users, have Down's syndrome, or have cerebral palsy. Do not doubt their abilities! Longevity in sport and health and fitness is fuelled by challenges. It's all about giving people reasons to stay motivated; goals, challenges, tasks, missions… Push the boundaries!
4. Make it entertainment
Put on a show, put on a performance! Make people smile, make people laugh! Make people forget about yesterday, make people forget about tomorrow. Happiness keeps you present: right here, right now. That's the power and that's the beauty of sport.
5. Get involved!
Sport is better together. Don't be afraid to look silly and don't be afraid to put yourself in other people's shoes. Getting involved symbolises love, it symbolises community and normality - it gives people the realisation that somebody cares.
For more support and inspiration on your inclusive sport journey, visit Super Movers for Every Body.
