How We Support Physical Development
- Lindsay
- Oct 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Integrating Physical Activities into Daily Routines
For Benji and Giulietta, movement is a natural part of their daily routine rather than something separate or forced. Each day includes some form of structured physical activity that is thoughtfully tailored to their individual strengths, interests, and energy levels. These activities aren’t fixed or rigid. Instead, they are observed and adjusted regularly to make sure they continue to feel enjoyable, effective, and encouraging. The goal is not just physical fitness, but also building confidence and maintaining motivation in a way that feels positive and sustainable.
A big focus during their gym time is developing strength and balance. Their sessions include a mix of bodyweight exercises, free weights, and resistance machines, all chosen to support core strength, stability, and overall muscle tone. Alongside this, they work on cardiovascular endurance through activities like fast walking on the track, using the treadmill, or spending time on the stair climber. Everything is approached at their own pace, allowing them to progress steadily without pressure.
What makes their routine especially meaningful is the flexibility built into it. While Benji and Giulietta do engage in some form of physical activity each day, it is always guided by how they are feeling. Their mood and energy levels play an important role in shaping what the day’s activity looks like. If a day calls for something lighter, the routine adjusts. If they’re feeling more energized, they may take on a bit more. This balance helps ensure that movement remains something they look forward to rather than something they resist.
At its core, the focus is on keeping physical activity achievable, positive, and motivating. By meeting them where they are each day, the routine supports consistency without overwhelming them. Over time, this approach not only strengthens their bodies but also reinforces a healthy relationship with movement, helping them feel capable, confident, and supported in their overall wellbeing.
Pilates
For Giulietta, finding the right kind of movement has made all the difference in how she experiences physical activity. While traditional gym equipment can sometimes feel overwhelming, she has naturally gravitated toward Pilates and free-weight exercises, which feel more comfortable and enjoyable for her. This preference allows her to stay engaged in a way that feels calm, focused, and suited to her needs.
One of the things that makes her sessions especially enjoyable is music. Listening to her favourite songs while she exercises helps create a familiar and motivating environment. It adds a sense of rhythm and enjoyment to her routine, turning each session into something she can look forward to rather than something she has to do.
Pilates, in particular, has become a meaningful part of her routine. It focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and supporting proper posture through slow, controlled movements. These exercises help Giulietta develop greater body awareness and coordination, allowing her to better understand how her body moves and responds.
By choosing activities that feel right for her, Giulietta is able to build both confidence and strength in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Her approach to movement reflects the importance of meeting individual preferences, showing that when exercise feels enjoyable and supportive, it becomes a positive and lasting part of everyday life.
Swimming
Swimming has become an important and enjoyable part of Benji and Giulietta’s weekly routine. Twice a week, they head to the pool with their support workers, creating a consistent opportunity to build strength, coordination, and flexibility in a setting that feels both calming and engaging. The water provides a unique environment where movement can feel easier and more supported, allowing them to explore their abilities with greater confidence.
Each session is thoughtfully guided to meet their individual needs. They spend time practicing different swimming skills such as strokes, floating, kicking, and coordinated arm movements. These activities are introduced in a way that feels manageable, helping them gradually build comfort and familiarity in the water. When needed, hand-over-hand support is used to guide movements and ensure they feel safe and successful as they learn.
Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also offers a sense of routine and enjoyment. The consistent schedule helps create predictability, while the supportive presence of their workers encourages them to stay engaged and motivated. Over time, these sessions contribute not only to their physical development but also to their confidence in trying new movements and skills.
By making swimming a regular part of their week, Benji and Giulietta are able to strengthen their bodies while also enjoying a positive and reassuring experience that supports their overall wellbeing.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding has been a meaningful part of Benji and Giulietta’s lives since they were young. Over time, it has become more than just an activity. It’s a space where they can build strength, develop skills, and form a unique connection with their horse. Each session offers a blend of structure and enjoyment, allowing them to grow at their own pace while feeling supported and engaged.
A big part of horseback riding is the physical development it encourages. As they ride, Benji and Giulietta naturally work on building core strength, balance, and coordination. Staying upright and steady on the horse requires constant engagement of their muscles, helping to strengthen their bodies in a functional and meaningful way. Stretching before and after each ride supports flexibility and helps prepare their bodies for movement, while activities like trotting introduce a gentle way to build cardiovascular endurance.
Alongside the physical benefits, horseback riding also supports important skill development. They continue to practice essential riding skills such as mounting, dismounting, steering, and maintaining proper posture while on the horse. These steps are introduced with guidance and repetition, helping them feel more confident and capable each time they ride.
One of the most special aspects of horseback riding is learning how to communicate with their horse. Benji and Giulietta practice simple but effective cues, like saying “woah” to signal stopping or using gentle taps to encourage the horse to walk on. They also work on guiding the horse through left and right turns, building both understanding and trust.
Through this experience, they are not only developing physical strength and practical skills, but also learning patience, connection, and confidence. Horseback riding offers them a calm and supportive environment where progress happens naturally, making it a truly valuable part of their routine.
Hiking and Nature
Spending time outdoors has become a special way for Benji and Giulietta to connect with both nature and their family. On weekends, they often go on hikes together, creating opportunities to enjoy fresh air, movement, and shared experiences. These outings change with the seasons, which keeps them exciting and meaningful. In the fall, they might go apple picking or visit pumpkin patches, while other times of the year might include trips to syrup festivals or long, relaxed walks through nature.
These moments are about more than just physical activity. Hiking helps build endurance and perseverance, but it also encourages curiosity and appreciation for the world around them. Being outside offers a calm and open environment where they can explore at their own pace, take in new sights and sounds, and simply enjoy being present. Just as importantly, these outings strengthen their connection with their family, turning movement into a shared and positive experience.
Adaptive Biking
During the summer months, Benji and Giulietta look forward to riding their adaptive three-wheel bikes around the neighbourhood. This activity gives them a sense of freedom while also supporting their physical development. As they ride, they are encouraged to pedal on their own, helping to build strength, coordination, and confidence in their abilities.
When they are out with their support worker, safety remains a priority while still allowing for independence. Their bikes are connected with a rope, which provides gentle guidance and control when needed. This setup allows them to experience the feeling of riding on their own while knowing that support is always there.
Adaptive biking offers a balance between independence and reassurance. It gives Benji and Giulietta the opportunity to move at their own pace, explore their surroundings, and enjoy the simple pleasure of riding, all while continuing to build important physical and life skills.
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