GiGiFIT

We offer the GiGiFIT Programs three sessions per year:

  • Spring session: January - May
  • Summer session: June- August
  • Fall session: September- December

If your local Playhouse offers the GiGiFIT program you are interested in, please apply through them. If your local Playhouse is not offering the GiGiFIT program you are interested in, please apply through GiGi's At Home.

Apply Here
GiGiFIT Physician Approval Form

For more information regarding the GiGiFIT programs, call (480) 451-PLAY or email phoenix@gigisplayhouse.org

Our FREE GiGiFIT programs combine activities with a strong fitness focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement designed by a physical therapist. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.  

The GiGiFIT programs are truly life changing!! Participants in GiGiFIT are motivated by their peers both physically and emotionally as they strive for their personal Best of All!

The GiGiFIT Family of Programs 

  • GiGiFIT You & I – Introduces the concepts of GiGiFIT Adult and Infant to parents and caregivers of infants with Down syndrome. The goals of this program are to: 
    • Build relationships and friendships with peers – parents and babies! 
    • Improve Joint stability, Strength, Endurance, Balance, Coordination, Connection to Your Baby 
    • Introduce the “Basic Movements” of the PT activities that you will see in GiGiFIT Infant 
    • Provide purposeful activity for Mom/Dad/Caregiver 
    • Foster the relationship between caregiver and baby through movement 
  • GiGiFIT Infant – Introduces the concepts of foundational movements, mobility activities, visual-vestibular activities, and reflex integration 
    • Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Motor Imitation, Gross Motor Milestone Achievement 
    • Balance & Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Control 
    • Primitive Reflex Integration: Fluid ease of movement 
    • Make Movement FUN!!! 
  • GiGiFIT Toddler – Takes concepts of foundational movements, mobility activities, visual-vestibular activities, and reflex integration to the next level in a fast-paced, super fun and socially interactive atmosphere for young children who have recently mastered the ability to walk on their own. 
    • Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Motor Planning, Independent Movement 
    • Gross motor: Walking, Running, Jumping 
    • Balance & Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Balance Reactions, Movement Control 
    • Combine movement learning with language learning 
  • GiGiFIT Kid – Combines key movements from GiGiFIT Teen and advanced progressions of activities from GiGiFIT Toddler to help improve strength, balance, coordination, peer interaction and to build a lifelong love of physical activity. 
    • Improve Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Independent Practice, Lifetime of Participation 
    • Improve Fitness: Strength, Endurance, Power, Stamina 
    • Improve Balance and Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Control 
    • Introduce fun, structured, and purposeful movement activities to lay the groundwork for daily exercise participation throughout life! 
  • GiGiFIT Teen – Introduces the key movements (MMPT Principles) of foundational exercises, hip strengthening exercises, and vestibular/balance exercises. The goal of this program is to: 
    • Provide individuals with Down syndrome with a road map for purposeful, specific, and successful movement across their lifetime! 
    • Improve Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Independent Practice, Lifetime of Participation 
    • Improve Fitness: Strength, Endurance, Power, Stamina 
    • Improve Balance and Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Control 
  • GiGiFIT Adult – Introduces the key movements (MMPT Principles) of foundational exercises, hip strengthening exercises, and vestibular/balance exercises, making them successful to implement and practice at any stage of life! 
    • Provide individuals with Down syndrome with a road map for purposeful, specific, and successful movement across their lifetime! 
    • Improve Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Independent Practice, Lifetime of Participation 
    • Improve Fitness: Strength, Endurance, Power, Stamina 
    • Improve Balance and Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Control 

Resources 

  • Mann Method PT 
    • Dr. Sarah Mann, PT, DPT, MBA 
    • Dr. Jennifer Spiric, PT, DPT 
  • Patricia C. Winders, PT, Gross Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome 

Questions about our GiGiFIT programs? Email us at  info@gigisplayhouse.org 

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