For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), movement isn’t just about exercise - it’s about building a better life.

From strengthening communication to building emotional regulation, the benefits of physical activity go far beyond health. Exercise helps individuals with IDD feel more confident, sleep better, and engage actively in their communities. Yet despite these advantages, structured fitness and recreation are often overlooked in care plans. Why?

Because many families and providers are stretched thin, trying to juggle schedules, compliance requirements, and behavioral support. It’s hard to prioritize recreation when documentation piles up or when it’s unclear what counts as meaningful progress.

But when exercise is approached with intention, it becomes a powerful tool for lifelong growth.

The Hidden Benefits of Exercise for People with IDD

Most parents know that movement is good for their child’s health. But what many don’t realize is how directly exercise supports core developmental milestones. This is especially true when it’s built into a person’s routine with consistency.

Here’s what the research - and families - are seeing:

• Improved emotional regulation: Physical activity helps reduce anxiety and improve mood by balancing brain chemistry and giving individuals an outlet for stress. This can lead to fewer behavioral incidents and more successful transitions during the day. [1]

• Better sleep and routine regulation: A tired body rests more deeply. Structured movement during the day often leads to easier nighttime routines, better sleep cycles, and more alertness the next day. [2]

• Enhanced communication and teamwork: Group activities like games or sports introduce turn-taking, following directions, and collaboration - all of which translate to social skill development. [3]

• Increased self-esteem and independence: Participating in physical activity - even in small, consistent amounts - builds confidence. With growth and achievement, individuals become more motivated to try the next challenge. [4]

These outcomes are powerful on their own. But they become transformational when tracked, supported, and tied to a larger vision for someone’s life.

Recreation vs. Real Progress: What’s the Difference?

Many providers do offer physical activity. A walk here, a dance party there. But here’s the key difference:

Without intentionality, it’s easy for movement to become filler instead of a foundation.

Families often wonder, “Is my loved one actually learning and growing during these activities, or just passing time?”

That question is fair. And it’s one that providers should be asking, too.

When exercise is used as a tool for skill-building, it’s not just a break in the day. Instead, it becomes a core part of a person’s Individualized Support Plan (ISP) or Life Goals. But it takes structure, tracking, and the right mindset to make that happen.

Unfortunately, this is where many providers hit a wall. Staff might not have access to recreational curricula. They might not have time to log skills or behaviors. Or they might not know what to look for in the first place.

That’s where new solutions come in.

Making Exercise Count 

Forward-thinking organizations are starting to treat recreation as more than just enrichment. They’re turning it into a measurable part of care. 

Whether it’s a guided yoga routine, a music-and-movement class, or an adaptive workout, providers can intentionally build skills during activity time.

Even better? With the right tools, they can document what’s happening in real time. Providers are able to note milestones like communication breakthroughs, increased endurance, and peer interaction in the moment. No more relying on memory - just better accuracy in measuring comprehensive growth.

This makes a huge difference for families. No more guessing whether movement and exercise are productive. With careful tracking, every workout, game, and activity contributes to a larger care plan. A care plan that promotes independence and self-determination.

And for providers? It’s a breath of fresh air. Staff can reduce time spent on paperwork, monitor growth, and start spending more time connecting with the people they support.

What Families Can Do Right Now

If you’re a parent or guardian, here’s the big takeaway:

Recreation matters - but structure matters even more.

Ask your provider how they’re using physical activity as part of your loved one’s care plan.

Do they track progress?

Are goals set around fitness or movement?

How do they know if someone is benefitting?

The truth is, providers want to do more. But they need support, not more pressure. That’s why it may be time for your provider to consider new tools built specifically for better service delivery. With advancements in technology, we’re now at a point of it being easier than ever for staff to deliver thoughtful care without being buried in admin work.

Closing Thought

At the end of the day, movement is about more than muscles - it’s about momentum.

Every step, stretch, or stride can help a person with IDD gain confidence, build skills, and feel more in control of their life. But only if that movement is part of something bigger.

With the right tools and the right mindset, providers and families can work together to make sure every moment of movement counts.

Because care isn’t just about keeping people occupied - it’s about helping them grow.

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This post was originally submitted to and published by Exceptional Parent Magazine in their July 2025 Edition.

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Citations:

[1] Mahindru A, Patil P, Agrawal V. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus. 2023 Jan 7;15(1):e33475. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33475. PMID: 36756008; PMCID: PMC9902068.

[2] Alnawwar MA, Alraddadi MI, Algethmi RA, Salem GA, Salem MA, Alharbi AA. The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 16;15(8):e43595. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43595. PMID: 37719583; PMCID: PMC10503965.

[3] Ferreira JP, Matos R, Campos MJ, Monteiro D, Antunes R, Jacinto M. Effects of Physical Exercise Program in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities-A Study Protocol. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 16;11(24):7485. doi: 10.3390/jcm11247485. PMID: 36556101; PMCID: PMC9786148.

[4] Jo G, Rossow-Kimball B, Lee Y. Effects of 12-week combined exercise program on self-efficacy, physical activity level, and health related physical fitness of adults with intellectual disability. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Apr 26;14(2):175-182. doi: 10.12965/jer.1835194.597. PMID: 29740549; PMCID: PMC5931151.