This fitness program features varied functional movements using different workout methods. Professional coaches provide instruction with the help of a certified recreational therapist.
Classes + Clinics
Thousands of children and adults with limited mobility participate in classes and clinics offered by Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program. There’s no age limit to participate.
Classes
Our six-week class sessions offer a relaxed and leisurely experience.
Participants must be cognitively or physically impaired. Common diagnoses include amputation, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, stroke, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, hip dysplasia, cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, traumatic brain injury and post-polio syndrome.
There may be some restrictions based on individual barriers, such as difficulty swallowing water, personal fears or age restrictions. Each class coordinator will answer any questions.
Functional Fitness
Off-road Handcycling
Get out and shred the trails with the Fat Explorer III, an off-road handcycle with power-assist capabilities that can tackle single-track terrain. You must be able to independently operate a handcycle.
Rock Climbing
This exhilarating sport will challenge you to reach new heights. Variations of rope and rock-climbing instruction will be offered by seasoned enthusiasts.
Swim Lessons
Safely learn to swim in a positive and fun environment. Includes one-on-one instruction from a certified water safety instructor.
Adaptive swim lessons are available for school-aged children. Private swim lessons are available for people of all ages.
Sports Sampler
Children not yet old enough to join a team learn skill-building, teamwork and gameplay. Instruction includes basketball, softball and tennis.
Tennis
You may enjoy this class if you are ambulatory but have cognitive impairments or other challenges that make a traditional tennis lesson difficult.
Yoga
Experience inner peace through the guidance of certified instructors with extensive adaptive yoga practice.
Future Frenzy Lacrosse
For those ages 12 – 16 interested in learning more about wheelchair lacrosse and potentially joining the wheelchair lacrosse team when they’re over age 16.
Clinics
Explore a variety of sports or activities without joining a team or paying for equipment.
Participants must be cognitively or physically impaired. Common diagnoses include amputation, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, stroke, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, hip dysplasia, cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, traumatic brain injury and post-polio syndrome.
There may be some restrictions based on individual barriers, such as difficulty swallowing water, personal fears or age restrictions. The clinic coordinator will answer any questions.
Archery
Feel the power of aiming at the bullseye, drawing back your bow and releasing the arrow. Offered in coordination with the West Michigan Archery Center and Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Downhill Skiing
Skiing provides a good physical workout and the opportunity to meet people. Available to people with various disabilities. Professional volunteers are provided by the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association, a chapter of Disabled Sports/USA. Offered in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Fencing
Open to all ages and abilities, this clinic introduces you to the sport with instruction from some of the best in the Midwest. Compete in a wheelchair fixed to the floor, and dodge your competitor’s weapon.
Sled Hockey (Future Sled Wings)
Future Sled Wings clinics are practices for kids aged 5-8 who think they might one day want to play on the Grand Rapids Sled Wings, an adult adaptive hockey team. A wonderful way to learn about equipment use and get introduced to the sport.
Golf
In partnership with the Pines Golf Course and Ambucs, learn everything from how to swing to how to use adaptive equipment and techniques.
Kayak and Canoe
Experience the freedom and tranquility that comes from gliding across the water in a kayak or canoe. Offered in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Pickleball
This growing sport combines ping pong and tennis. Offered in partnership with the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club.
Sailing
Sailing is an inclusive sport with the potential to become a lifelong leisure activity. Opportunities abound for competitive pursuit or purely recreational enjoyment. Offered in partnership with the Grand Rapids Yacht Club and Traverse Area Community Sailing.
Scuba Diving
Experience the silence and weightlessness of being underwater. You’ll work one-on-one with a trained divemaster to manage your scuba gear, master adaptive swimming equipment and use underwater propulsion equipment. The clinic is offered in partnership with West Michigan Adaptive Diving and Moby’s Dive Shop.
Water Skiing
Experience the thrill and exhilaration of flying across the surface of a lake. This adaptive clinic teaches sitting and standing skiing. It’s offered in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Zipline
Soar through the air during this adventurous clinic. Participants are securely belayed at all times.