Volunteer at ABL Fitness
Help athletes build strength, confidence, independence, and belonging through fitness.
Why Volunteer at ABL Fitness
Volunteering at ABL Fitness is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing leadership, communication, and real-world experience. Whether you’re looking to give back, earn community service hours, or explore a future career in healthcare, education, or fitness, you’ll gain valuable skills while helping athletes build strength, confidence, and belonging.
Community Service & Experience
Earn community service hours while gaining hands-on experience working with children, teens, and adults of all abilities.
Build Meaningful Connections
Develop relationships with athletes, coaches, families, and fellow volunteers while helping create a welcoming and inclusive community.
Leadership Development
Practice communication, encouragement, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that will benefit you in school, sports, and future careers.
Explore Healthcare & Education Careers
Gain valuable exposure for students interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing, medicine, education, psychology, exercise science, and related fields.
Make a Lasting Impact
Your encouragement and support help athletes build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of movement.
Learn Adaptive Fitness
Discover how individualized coaching, adaptive strategies, and inclusive fitness can help every athlete succeed.
Who You'll Support
At ABL Fitness, volunteers support children, teens, and adults of all abilities as they build strength, confidence, independence, and lifelong fitness skills.
Our athletes come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Some are highly independent and looking for a supportive fitness community, while others benefit from additional coaching, encouragement, and individualized support.
No matter where an athlete starts, our goal is the same: to help every athlete experience success, connection, and belonging through fitness.
Neurodiversity
Athletes with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and other neurodivergent experiences.
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Athletes with developmental and cognitive disabilities who benefit from individualized instruction and adaptive coaching.
Physical & Neurological Disabilities
Athletes with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, visual impairments, and other unique support needs.
What Makes ABL Fitness Different?
We believe fitness should be accessible to everyone. Our coaches adapt workouts, communication, and instruction so every athlete can participate in a way that is meaningful, challenging, and successful.
Volunteers help make that individualized support possible.
Volunteers play an important role in helping athletes feel welcomed, supported, and successful. Here’s what that looks like during class.
What Volunteers Do
Helping Athletes Succeed Every Session
Volunteers are an important part of the ABL Fitness experience. Working alongside our coaches, volunteers help create a welcoming, supportive environment where athletes can build strength, confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.
You don’t need to be a fitness expert or have previous experience working with individuals with disabilities. Our coaches provide guidance, training, and support every step of the way.
Be a Workout Partner
Exercise alongside athletes, participate in workouts, and help create a fun, encouraging environment where everyone feels included.
Demonstrate Movements
Show athletes how exercises are performed by modeling movements and participating in class activities.
Encourage and Motivate
Celebrate successes, offer encouragement, and help athletes build confidence through positive interactions and support.
Support Social Connection
Help athletes connect with peers, coaches, and volunteers while fostering friendships, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Assist During Activities
Support coaches by helping athletes stay engaged, transition between activities, and participate successfully in class.
Be a Positive Role Model
Demonstrate patience, kindness, respect, and enthusiasm while helping create an inclusive community where every athlete can thrive.
What Volunteers Don't Do
Volunteers are never expected to:
❌ Provide medical care
❌ Manage behaviors independently
❌ Design workouts or exercise programs
❌ Be solely responsible for athlete supervision
❌ Have all the answers
Our coaches lead every class and provide the training, guidance, and support volunteers need to be successful.
Why Your Role Matters
More Than Fitness
While athletes come to ABL Fitness to build strength and healthy habits, many families tell us that the relationships developed in the gym become just as meaningful as the physical progress.
By showing up consistently, offering encouragement, and participating alongside athletes, volunteers help create an environment where every athlete feels welcomed, capable, and connected.
A workout partner can become a trusted mentor. A high five can build confidence. A familiar face can help an athlete feel they belong.
At ABL Fitness, volunteers don't just help run classes—they help create belonging.
Volunteer Training & Support
No experience is required. We provide training, guidance, and ongoing support so volunteers feel confident and successful from day one.
What You'll Learn
Understanding Neurodiversity
Learn about autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, and the unique strengths and challenges our athletes may experience.
Communication Strategies
Discover how to use clear, supportive communication to help athletes feel successful, understood, and engaged.
Visual, Verbal & Gestural Cueing
Learn simple coaching techniques that help athletes understand and complete exercises with confidence.
Building Trust & Connection
Understand how relationships, consistency, and encouragement help athletes feel comfortable and supported.
Adaptive Fitness Principles
Learn how workouts can be modified to meet each athlete's individual needs and abilities.
Safety & Class Expectations
Review class procedures, volunteer responsibilities, and best practices for creating a safe and positive experience.
You'll Never Be On Your Own
✔ Volunteer Orientation
✔ Ongoing Coach Support
✔ Clear Class Expectations
✔ Hands-On Learning Opportunities
✔ Community Service Documentation Available
Every class is led by experienced coaches who provide guidance, answer questions, and help volunteers feel successful.
Time Commitment
Consistency Creates Connection
Many athletes build confidence, trust, and meaningful relationships through familiar faces and predictable routines. When volunteers attend regularly, athletes feel more comfortable, supported, and connected within the class environment.
Preferred Commitment
- Volunteer for one class per week
- Commit for at least 8–12 weeks when possible
This allows volunteers and athletes to build meaningful relationships and creates a more consistent experience for everyone involved.
Flexible Opportunities Available
We understand that school schedules, sports, work, and family commitments can change throughout the year.
If you are unable to commit weekly, we still encourage you to reach out. We are often able to find volunteer opportunities that fit a variety of schedules.
Community Service Hours
Community service hours are available for students who need volunteer hours for:
- School requirements
- National Honor Society
- College applications
- Scholarship programs
- Community service initiatives
Documentation can be provided upon request.
Who Should Volunteer?
Volunteers come from many different backgrounds, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to make a positive impact.
Whether you’re exploring a future career, looking to give back, or simply want to be part of an inclusive community, we’d love to hear from you.
✔ High school students
✔ College students
✔ PT, OT, SLP, nursing, and medical students
✔ Exercise science and kinesiology students
✔ Future teachers and educators
✔ Coaches and athletes
✔ Community members
✔ Anyone passionate about inclusion
You don’t need special experience to make a difference. You simply need a willingness to learn, connect, and support athletes as they build strength, confidence, and belonging.
How to Get Started
Joining Our Volunteer Team Is Easy
We’re excited you’re interested in becoming part of the ABL Fitness community. Follow the steps below to begin your volunteer journey.
1️⃣ Complete the Volunteer Interest Form
Tell us a little about yourself, your interests and availability.
2️⃣ Connect With Our Team
We’ll review your information and reach out to discuss volunteer opportunities that may be a good fit.
3️⃣Start Making an Impact
Join a class, build connections, and help athletes grow stronger, more confident, and more connected.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re looking to earn community service hours, explore a future career, or simply give back to your community, we’d love to have you on our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Volunteers are not expected to be fitness experts. Our coaching team provides training, guidance, and ongoing support so you can feel confident in your role. The most important qualities are enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to connect with athletes.
No. Many volunteers join ABL Fitness with little or no previous experience. We provide training on communication, inclusion, and ways to support athletes of all abilities.
We generally welcome volunteers ages 14+ (9th grade or older). Younger volunteers may be considered on a case-by-case basis with parent involvement.
Yes. Many of our volunteers are high school and college students earning community service hours for school requirements, National Honor Society, scholarships, and other programs. Documentation can be provided upon request.
We encourage volunteers to participate consistently whenever possible. A commitment of one class per week for 8–12 weeks helps athletes build trust and meaningful relationships, but we understand schedules vary and will work with you when possible.
Please wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers suitable for participating in fitness activities.
No. Volunteers work alongside experienced coaches who lead every class. Volunteers provide encouragement, support, and peer mentoring while coaches oversee programming, instruction, and athlete safety.
Our athletes include children, teens, and adults with a variety of abilities and support needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and neurological conditions.
Absolutely. Many volunteers join with friends, classmates, teammates, siblings, or family members. Volunteering together can be a great way to get involved while supporting athletes and building community.
Yes. Volunteering at ABL Fitness provides valuable hands-on experience for students interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, medicine, psychology, education, exercise science, and related fields.
That’s completely normal. Many volunteers feel that way before their first class. Our team will provide training, support, and guidance to help you feel comfortable and successful from day one.
Many volunteers have little or no prior experience when they start. Our training introduces volunteers to neurodiversity, communication strategies, and ways to support successful participation. Most volunteers quickly discover that building relationships starts the same way it does with anyone else—through kindness, consistency, encouragement, and respect.
Ready to Get Started?
Every athlete deserves the opportunity to build strength, confidence, and belonging. Join our volunteer team and help make a difference in your community.
