AMHERST, N.Y. -- Daemen College will hold free exercise sessions this summer for individuals of all abilities and an online educational program for fitness trainers on modifying programs to be more inclusive for participants with disabilities.

The exercise program, “Get Movin’,” will be held in one-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 5 and will run through Aug. 2. Participants may attend either the 5 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. session to be held in Daemen’s Academic or Wellness Center located at 4433 Main St. in Amherst. The eight-week program is open to individuals with or without disabilities ages 18 and older.

Various types of exercise, including dancercise, yoga, aerobics, and flexibility, will be included in all sessions. Information on nutrition and healthy habits will also be provided.

In the “Inclusive Fitness: Working With Individuals With Disabilities in the Community” program, experienced and new fitness professionals will receive an overview on developing inclusive wellness and fitness services. The summer program, which will be offered online, will be taught by nurse practitioners, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and fitness instructors.

Attendees will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. Certified participants will be eligible for National Strength and Conditioning Association approved CEUs.

The “train the trainer” program will cover disability awareness, modifying exercises for individuals with disabilities, exercise and nutrition, relaxation and yoga, universal design at fitness facilities, and marketing an inclusive fitness program.

Daemen’s inclusive fitness programs are a part of a two-phase project, “Get Movin’ – Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness: A Fitness Initiative for Individuals With Disabilities,” being funded by a $50,000 Inclusive Fitness Field-Related Grant from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Council. Overseeing the project are Dr. Diane Ryan, associate professor of nursing, and Dr. Theresa Kolodziej, director of clinical education in physical therapy.

For more information or to register for either program, contact Diane Ryan at 839-8408 or at dryan@daemen.edu.