{"id":1619,"date":"2022-10-26T14:07:50","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T03:07:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/?page_id=1619"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:14:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T05:14:37","slug":"dsv-fitskills","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/dsv-fitskills\/","title":{"rendered":"FitSkills21: an evidence-based physical activity program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FitSkills21: workout and have fun!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Want to be part of something active and social?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are participating or volunteering, you will be part of a supportive partnership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exercise has never been so much fun!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>FitSkills21 is an evidence-based physical activity program designed for individuals with Down syndrome. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer FitSkills21 Partner for motivation and support. FitSkills21 aims to enhance fitness and wellbeing through a supportive and inclusive approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workouts are weekly, facilitated and 1-hour long. Afterwards everyone has a meal together, fostering community. The program is tailored by a physiotherapist, and includes personalised, easy-to-read exercise programs with regular check-ins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The weekly program follows the school term schedule, with fun holiday sessions also available for both current and new members. Previous holiday sessions have included circuit training, Zumba, dance, yoga and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FitSkills21 is being offered by DSV as an NDIS service.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/10\/Robyn-Jodie-768x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3345\" style=\"width:648px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/10\/Robyn-Jodie-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/10\/Robyn-Jodie-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s involved:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Weekly gym sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An exercise program that is developed by a physiotherapist, is goals-based and tailored to the individual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A supportive and engaging environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help getting motivated to go to the gym<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participants and volunteers are guided throughout the sessions <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become a part of the gym community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group meals afterwards for friendship and fun. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please note<\/strong> that participants and volunteers need to pay for their own meals as they are not covered by NDIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There are significant benefits to everyone involved, including:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase your physical fitness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve your mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce social isolation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater community inclusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced wellbeing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to the Club21 online exercise classes for free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FitSkills21 is currently operating at:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coburg <\/strong>Leisure Centre | Mondays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greensborough <\/strong>WaterMarc | Mondays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hawthorn<\/strong> Aquatic and Leisure Centre | Mondays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Frankston<\/strong> Peninsula Aquatic &amp; Recreation Centre | Tuesdays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geelong <\/strong>LeisureLink Aquatic &amp; Recreation Centre| Tuesdays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Melbourne <\/strong>City Baths | Wednesdays, 12pm. Includes workout and lunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brunswick <\/strong>Baths | Thursdays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cheltenham<\/strong> Revo Fitness |Thursdays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bendigo <\/strong>Bendigo Gurri Silverback Strength | Fridays, 5.30pm. Includes workout and dinner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to join one of our FitSkills21 groups, you can find out more by completing our <a href=\"https:\/\/downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au\/form\/fitskills21-enquiry-form\">expression of interest form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you get involved?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/fitskills-for-adults-with-down-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/AdobeStock_130890772-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/AdobeStock_130890772-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/AdobeStock_130890772-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/fitskills-for-volunteers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/DSC07065-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/DSC07065-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/DSC07065-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/fitskills-for-gyms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/AdobeStock_98766981-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/AdobeStock_98766981-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/AdobeStock_98766981-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">FitSkills21 for adults with Down syndrome<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">FitSkills21 for volunteers<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">FitSkills21 for gyms<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-id=\"3458\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/Craig-Brad.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/Craig-Brad.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/Craig-Brad-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/Craig-Brad-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2710\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkills3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2710\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"2716\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkill4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkill4.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkill4-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkill4-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/FitSkill4-1200x1600.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"3509\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/1C2D4740-8BB8-402D-BD30-344CB6E0F617.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/1C2D4740-8BB8-402D-BD30-344CB6E0F617.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/1C2D4740-8BB8-402D-BD30-344CB6E0F617-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/1C2D4740-8BB8-402D-BD30-344CB6E0F617-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/1C2D4740-8BB8-402D-BD30-344CB6E0F617-1200x1600.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"2040\" data-id=\"2713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-31.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-31.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-31-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-31-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-31-1200x1594.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-80-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2711\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-80-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-80-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"349\" height=\"101\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/DSV_horizontal_RGB.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1668\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-5ae90753\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"380\" height=\"160\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-5ae90753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/01\/FitSkills21-logo-option-6-1.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"FitSkills21 logo option 6 (1)\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/FitSkills-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/FitSkills-Logo.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/FitSkills-Logo-768x260.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/FitSkills-Logo-1536x521.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/FitSkills-Logo-1200x407.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br><em>This is an earlier program logo, as developed as part of Nora Shields&#8217; work. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FitSkills21: workout and have fun! Want to be part of something active and social? Whether you are participating or volunteering, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1605,"parent":0,"menu_order":58,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"state":[],"class_list":["post-1619","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1619"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4594,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1619\/revisions\/4594"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/vic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state?post=1619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}