Gavilan College offers an impressive Adaptive Fitness program

Instructor Karen Sato at the Gym Entrance

NorCal SCI co-founder, Nick Struthers, recently visited Gavilan College in Gilroy and was extremely impressed by their adaptive fitness facilities, set in a stunning location on the southern part of Gilroy. With a heated outdoor accessible pool, an extremely well equipped adaptive gym and a large gymnasium, Gavilan offers some of the best adaptive facilities at a Community College in Northern California.

“I had arranged to meet Karen Sato, who is the Adaptive Physical Education Instructor, for a tour of their facilities,” writes Nick. “And what a tour it was. I was immediately impressed with the scale of the facility which is adjacent to the main Physical Education Building.” There was plenty of accessible parking a short roll away from the entrance, accessible bathrooms and changing facilities dedicated to the Adaptive Center. As Karen showed me round the large Gymnasium, which had an adjustable basketball hoop and a large physio mat, she explained that the many “Classes” run for up to 48 weeks of the year and it is also possible to join a class at any point during the semester as individuals may need to start their adaptive PE anytime during a calendar year.

When we went into to the exercise gym, I was particularly impressed by the amount of adaptive equipment they had ranging from Hand Cycles, Rickshaw Upper Body Machines to Whole Body Vibration Platforms (WBVP). The WBVP machine is worth checking out as they do make some therapeutic claims that may benefit someone with an SCI. The Gym was well appointed as there was no shortage of accessories which will allow an individual to make use of the equipment.

It is the expectation of the program that, if necessary, an individual will bring their own caregiver/assistant though the staff is always on hand to help with some equipment set up and are eager to make suggestions that would benefit the individual’s exercise program needs.

You can check out some of the programs including the aquatic therapy at the new 86F degree pool HERE.

I would highly recommend that you check the facility and programs out as it’s well worth a visit and I’m convinced you will not be disappointed. You can also contact Karen at ksato@gavilan.edu as she will be happy to answer any questions about the program.