Kara Hume’s Inclusive Fitness Approach for All

A Journey to Fitness and Inclusivity

Think back to a decade ago when Kara Hume, in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, joined the local gym. The sight of a fitness class in the nearby studio caught her attention. The participants’ ardent workout and strong physiques piqued her interest, leading her to CrossFit, a high-intensity fitness program that integrates Olympic lifting. Hume found her initial encounter with a barbell empowering, marking the dawn of her CrossFit journey.

Combining Fitness and Research

As a Richard “Dick” Coop Faculty Scholar in the UNC School of Education, Hume has spent her career conducting studies on autistic students and developing resources for teachers and families. Her research has led to an understanding of successful interventions, and during the pandemic, she developed COVID-related resources for families that have been downloaded more than 300,000 times.

Merging Fitness and Neurodiversity Support

Over the years, Hume has managed to blend her passion for fitness and supporting neurodiverse communities. She has co-organised adaptive CrossFit classes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, rock climbing sessions for students at alternative schools, and whitewater rafting trips for children with disabilities. One particular class that stands out is Power Hour, an NIH project focusing on promoting healthy aging and the mental and physical health of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Moving Towards Inclusive Fitness Environments

Throughout her research career, Hume has worked with a broad range of age groups, from preschoolers to teenagers. She is particularly excited to work with autistic adults and is now focusing her efforts on studying the post-secondary life of this population. Hume is collaborating with developmental scientist Brianne Tomaszewski and the University of Arkansas’ Melissa Savage to study the effects of Power Hour on the physical and mental health of its participants, and how individualised coaching can influence physical activity.

Creating Opportunities for Outdoor Activities

Looking ahead, Hume wishes to tap into more outdoor spaces and engage the autism community in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. In the disability community, there is a term known as ‘an enviable life,’ which is about leading a life that others would wish to emulate. Hume is determined to introduce these enviable aspects into the lives of autistic people.

For more details on Kara Hume and her research, click here.