Fitness Programs
Additional training outside of your sports season encouraged by Special Olympics Pennsylvania to help athletes build strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
Start your Fitness Journey
Physical fitness is a key part of the Special Olympics mission. Physical activity, nutrition and hydration enhance athletes’ sports performance and improve health and overall quality of life.
For Coaches & Volunteers
Athlete Performance Training (APT)
APT is an in‑season fitness program. Health education and fitness evaluations are embedded into sports practice for eight weeks, delivered right on the field of play (e.g., soccer field, bowling alley, swimming pool). The training blends coach‑ facilitated practice, brief lessons and goals, and a simple at‑home fitness component to enhance performance and overall health.
- Length: Eight weeks during your regular sports season
- Location: Held at your sport practices
- Focus: Health education, fitness evaluations, weekly goals
For Athletes and Unified Partners
Unified Fitness
Unified Fitness is an off‑season, 12‑week program where similarly‑aged athletes and Unified partners train together at least twice per week for 60 minutes. Sessions include weekly health education, with fitness evaluations at the start and end of the program. Sites may be led by trainers when available.
- Length: Twelve-week program, any time of year
- Location: School, university, gym/fitness center or home
- Focus: Partner-based workouts, education, pre/post testing
Athletes, Coaches & Unified Partners
Walking Clubs
Walking Clubs are 8+ week fitness clubs led by a trained athlete leader (Health & Fitness Coordinator) with support from a Mentor and/or Community Partner. Clubs meet routinely to walk together—or do other fitness activities—at parks, schools, or local malls.
- Length: Eight-week program during sports seasons
- Location: Parks, schools, local malls, etc.
- Focus: Health & wellness, fitness, community building and social engagement
For Trainers
Leading Fitness Programs
We’re looking for professionals such as athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses as well as students in the fitness and medical fields to help support Athlete Performance Training. Your role would be to support a fitness program that could include leading evaluations at the start and end of the sports season, workouts, walking activities, etc.
- Length: Varies by sports season and program type
- Location: Opportunities available statewide
- Focus: Inclusive fitness, CE credit, leadership opportunities
