Xcell, a program for Adults with Ds

ASU’s Adaptive Exercise Program (ages 14+)

This program is run through ASU School of Health Solutions
Director – Adaptive Exercise Program at ASU: Simon D. Holzapfel, PhD, ACSM EP-C CIFT, Clinical Assistant Professor, Exercise Science & Health Promotion, Degree Coordinator – Clinical Exercise Science
Click here to REGISTER for fall semester

Location: Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA | 350 N 1st Ave, Phoenix 85003

When: FALL 2021 CLASS IS FULL

The following 4 time slots available for workouts :
Tuesdays: 4 – 5:30 pm or 5:30 – 7 pm
Thursdays: 4 – 5:30 pm or 5:30 – 7 pm

Here is how the program will look this fall:

• In addition to the in-person workouts, participants will receive workout videos to do at home or we live remote workout sessions via Zoom.
• Face masks must be worn by everyone at all times, even during exercise. Face masks must also be worn by parents, family members, or caregivers while inside the YMCA or SDFC building.
• Hugs and handshakes will be HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. Limited physical contact as much as possible.
• Your loved one will be paired with one or two ASU student trainers as usual to form a little ‘team.’
• Physical distancing within the team will not be possible but teams will be asked to stay 6 feet away from any and all other teams or individuals while in the facility.
• All equipment will be sanitized with EPA-approved disinfectant after single use.
• Gloves will not be required but frequent hand sanitizing or washing will be enforced.
• Exercise intensities will be limited to light and moderate intensities and stay away from vigorous intensities. There are a few organizations/agencies (e.g., World Health Organizations) which do not recommend wearing a face mask during vigorous activities. Because ASU is requiring everyone to wear a face mask indoors, including the fitness centers, no vigorous exercise intensities will be offered this fall.
• Regular monitoring of oxyhemoglobin saturation before, during, and after the workout to ensure it stays above 90%. This is done do due to the small chance of mask wearing leading to hypoxia. Anything below 90% is typically considered clinically concerning and exercise we would be stopped and monitored for any signs of hypoxia. Oxyhemoglobin saturation is measured via pulse oximetry, which is non-invasive and only takes a few seconds. This is how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irVEYvEIb6o
• Additionally, I am certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support and will always be on site.

Learn more >>

DSNetwork’s Xcell for Adults families are invited to participate in ASU’s Adaptive Exercise Program. The workouts consist of ​evidence-based cardio, strength, and flexibility training in order to improve the health-related fitness of adults with Down syndrome. ASU undergraduate students, under the supervision of Dr. Holzapfel (aka. Simon), will be working on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of students to adults with Down syndrome to guide them through the exercises and ensure safety, to provide motivation and social interaction, and to learn from our wonderful adults with Down syndrome. Aspects of fitness will be assessed before and after the semester-long program in order to track progress.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Down Syndrome

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome can stir deep feelings of fear and anxiety for family, friends, and caregivers who are otherwise trying to focus on supporting and celebrating a healthy and fulfilling adult life for an individual that they love. Education is one way to reclaim some power over a situation where it is impossible to have total control. This booklet was written to help empower families and caregivers with knowledge about the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, suggestions about how to carefully and thoughtfully evaluate changes that may be observed with aging, and guidance about how to adapt and thrive within an ever-changing caregiving role when a diagnosis is made.

Click here to download the Caregiver’s Guide

 Aging & Down Syndrome

Adults with Down syndrome, along with their families and caregivers, need accurate information and education about what to anticipate as a part of growing older, so they can set the stage for successful aging. The purpose of this booklet is to help with this process. It is intended to be used by various learners: families, professionals, direct caregivers or anyone concerned with the general welfare of someone with Down syndrome.

Click here to download the Aging Guide