Specialty Athletic Training began in 2007 when Ryan Lockard started working as a 1:1 aide for a boy with autism. Ryan immediately noticed that physical education goals were set much lower for his new autistic student than his peers.

Now with 4 locations, one of which is inside the Stephen's Place building, Specialty Athletic Training serves people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every week, they use their knowledge to serve up quick #wellnesswednesday tips and inclusive exercises for every ability level. For this week's inclusive exercise, we have the Hip Bridge.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://stephensplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Hip-Bridge.mp4"][/video] 

The Hip Bridge works the core, hamstrings, thighs, lower back, and glutes to improve balance, stride, and stability.

Hip Bridge Instructions:

1) Lay flat on the ground with knees bent, feet flat, and arms to your side.

2) Press through your heels and elevate your lower back into the air.

3) Continue pressing up until glutes are fully flexed.

4) Then slowly return back to the ground and repeat.

 

Ryan Lockard, CSCS, CFNS, is the head trainer and founder of Specialty Athletic Training. He is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association ( NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, as well as by the International Sports Science Association ( ISSA) as a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Ryan has worked with individuals with special needs since 2007 and has over 10,000 hours of 1:1 instruction working with individuals that have various special needs.