ABC Hopes is a non-profit organization serving Riverside, Orange and San Diego Counties. Our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to contribute to society in a positive manner by giving them opportunities that develop their social, physical and educational/life skills. ABC Hopes was established in 2012 by Katie Moore, after feeling compelled to help build a community that provides greater opportunity for her younger brother, Christopher, who was born with Down syndrome. “As much as we feel we need to provide for our Hopers, our Hopers are providing perspective and bridging the gap for the community as a whole.” We have partnered with gyms in all our service areas (Corona - Crossfit Proper, Crunch Fitness & Crossfit Lifted South; Placentia - No Limit Personal Training, Vista - Crossfit Trifecta) where we offered weekly workouts for our participants. We continue to offer an in person class at No Limit Personal Training in Placentia for our My Day Counts participants. When COVID happened - our participants really shut down and did not know why they couldn't go to the gym. And that is how our zoom fitness was born. We still offer twice a week zoom fitness classes, and once a month hybrid (in person and zoom) paint nights. After operating in Orange County, ABC Hopes moved into Corona. This move has allowed us to expand our services for our participants, with additional fitness classes, an after school program (Extra Innings) and volunteer opportunities. We have named this space the WhereHouse - where we GET FIT, where we HAVE FUN, and where we are FREE TO BE. ❤️

Reports To:

• President/CEO of ABC Hopes

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides direct supervision of participants in a group fitness setting, ensuring safety, engagement, and adherence to program guidelines
• Oversees participant behavior and well-being, implementing support strategies as needed
• May provide direction to volunteers or support staff during sessions

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Instructs participants individually and in class settings in order to improve daily functional fitness skills.
• Observes participants and informs them of their current abilities and helps to improve the components of their skills. 
• Monitors participants’ progress and adapts programs as needed via a quarterly assessment.
• Plans routines, chooses music, and selects different movements for the focus of each workout depending on each participants capabilities and limitations.
• Evaluates participants abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develops suitable training programs to meet special requirements. Teaches proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
• Explains and enforces safety rules for the specific workout, and the use of exercise equipment.
• Provides students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle habits.
• Administers emergency first aid and follow company protocol for incident reporting.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of exercise science and fitness techniques and being able to breakdown the movement patterns.
• Fluent understanding of nutrition and diet.
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written, with all persons within the company, participants, and families.
• Demonstrates ability to lead classes effectively.

 

Education and Experience:

• At least two years of experience as a fitness trainer working in a gym or with individuals with disabilities. 
• Certification is preferred as a personal trainer or a fitness instructor.

 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods standing, walking, jumping throughout on hard surfaces.
• Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 45 pounds at a time (using proper lifting techniques). 
• Must be able to assist participants who have physical difficulties by spotting them through the exercises.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push (sled 45 pounds), and pull to assist and teach participants throughout the day.