Movement, Fitness, and Independence for Students of All Abilities

Palomar College’s Adapted Kinesiology courses provide inclusive fitness and movement opportunities designed to support students with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in developing lifelong wellness and fitness skills. Current course offerings include aquatics, body conditioning, and weight training. These courses also satisfy the District’s Health and Fitness Lab Requirement.

Adapted Kinesiology classes are designed for students who benefit from individualized instruction, adapted equipment, modified activities, and a supportive learning environment. Students of all fitness levels are welcome. The focus is on personal growth, improving fitness, active participation, and building confidence through movement.

Adapted Kinesiology courses help students:

• Adapted Kinesiology courses help students:
• Improve overall health and fitness
• Develop strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance
• Increase independence in physical activity
• Learn lifelong wellness strategies
• Participate in a supportive and inclusive college environment

Are These Classes Right for Me?

Adapted Kinesiology courses are designed for students with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities who want to participate in physical activity in an environment that provides individualized support and adaptations.

These classes may be a good fit for students who:

• Have a disability that impacts participation in traditional fitness or physical education classes
• Benefit from modified activities, adapted equipment, or more personalized support
• Want to improve physical fitness and independence
• Are transitioning from high school programs into college experiences
• Want to develop healthy lifelong movement habits

Students do not need previous fitness experience. Activities are adapted to meet individual needs and abilities.

Palomar College Adapted Kinesiology Course Offerings

KINE 181A — Beginning Adapted Aquatics

Beginning Adapted Aquatics is a one-unit course that provides an introduction to basic aquatics skills with an emphasis on safety, aquatic movement, and increasing comfort in an aquatic environment. Skills are adapted to the individual student’s disability. 

Students develop:

• Water comfort and safety skills
• Basic aquatic movement and/or swimming techniques
• Individual goal setting skills
• Strength, endurance, and confidence in the water

Course Requirements:

• Students must have self-help abilities, be able to follow directions, and benefit from instruction.
• Students who require one-on-one assistance for safety or behavior must provide an aide in the water and locker room with them at all times. All aides must complete and return the Palomar Release of Liability prior to the student being allowed to participate.
• Students and aides must adhere to Palomar’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students must not engage in unsafe behavior or behavior that interferes with the learning of other students.
• Students with bladder or bowel incontinence may not participate in class.

This course is appropriate for students who are beginning or developing their aquatic skills.

KINE 181B — Intermediate Adapted Aquatics

Intermediate Adapted Aquatics builds upon foundational aquatic skills while continuing to support individual fitness goals. Emphasis is placed on building aquatic skills, cardiovascular conditioning, strength, balance, and coordination through the use of swim aids and stroke techniques modified for the student’s abilities.

Classes focus on:

• Improving swimming ability
• Increasing cardiovascular endurance
• Developing more advanced aquatic skills
• Building independence and confidence in the water

Course Requirements:

• Students must have self-help abilities, be able to follow directions, and benefit from instruction.
• Students who require one-on-one assistance for safety or behavior must provide an aide in the water and locker room with them at all times. All aides must complete and return the Palomar Release of Liability prior to the student being allowed to participate.
• Students and aides must adhere to Palomar’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students must not engage in unsafe behavior or behavior that interferes with the learning of other students.
• Students with bladder or bowel incontinence may not participate in class.

Students should have some previous experience with aquatic activities or have successfully completed Beginning Adapted Aquatics.

KINE 182 — Adapted Weight Training

Adapted Weight Training provides individualized resistance training designed to meet each student’s specific needs and abilities. The class focuses on the development and maintenance of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance in order to facilitate independence of movement and rehabilitation of specific muscle groups. The Wellness Fitness Center provides access to specialized adaptive equipment, which allows activities to be modified to meet individual abilities and support greater independence in fitness participation. 

Students participate in activities focused on:

• Building muscular strength
• Improving flexibility and muscular endurance
• Increasing functional movement skills
• Supporting independence and daily living activities
• Improving exercise technique

Course Requirements:

• Students must be able to follow directions, navigate the gym safely, use equipment properly, and benefit from instruction.
• Students who require one-on-one assistance must have an aide in the gym and locker room with them at all times. 
• Students and aides must adhere to Palomar’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students must not engage in unsafe behavior or behavior that interferes with the learning of other students.
• Workout clothing (Must have tennis shoes and shorts or pants with no zippers,  buttons, snaps, rivets, or belts. No jeans, cargo shorts, skirts, dresses, boots, or sandals).
• Workout towel (Wellness center requirement. Students may not work out without a towel).
• Water bottle recommended. No food or sugar drinks like Gatorade, sodas, etc. are allowed.

Exercises may be modified through changes in equipment, technique, intensity, or level of support.

KINE 184 — Adapted Body Conditioning

Adapted Body Conditioning focuses on improving overall fitness through individualized cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility activities. The Wellness Fitness Center provides access to specialized adaptive equipment, which allows activities to be modified to meet individual abilities and support greater independence in fitness participation.

Students work toward personal fitness goals while developing:

• Cardiovascular endurance
• Strength and muscular fitness
• Flexibility and mobility
• Healthy exercise habits
• Safe exercise techniques

Course Requirements:

• Students must be able to follow directions, navigate the gym safely, use equipment properly, and benefit from instruction.
• Students who require one-on-one assistance must have an aide in the gym and locker room with them at all times. 
• Students and aides must adhere to Palomar’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students must not engage in unsafe behavior or behavior that interferes with the learning of other students.
• Workout clothing (Must have tennis shoes and shorts or pants with no zippers,  buttons, snaps, rivets, or belts. No jeans, cargo shorts, skirts, dresses, boots, or sandals).
• Workout towel (Wellness center requirement. Students may not work out without a towel).
• Water bottle recommended. No food or sugar drinks like Gatorade, sodas, etc. are allowed.

Activities are adapted to support each student’s abilities and fitness level.

What Makes Adapted Kinesiology Different?

Adapted Kinesiology classes provide:

Individualized Instruction

Students receive support and modifications based on their personal goals, abilities, and learning needs.

Inclusive College Experience

Students participate in college-level courses designed to promote independence, confidence, and belonging.

Focus on Lifelong Wellness

Students learn skills they can use beyond college to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Supportive Learning Environment

Classes emphasize encouragement, participation, personal achievement, and progress.

How Do I Register?

Students register for Adapted Kinesiology courses through Palomar College enrollment services. Please note that these classes fill quickly, so we recommend registering early.

Steps to Register:

1. Apply to Palomar College (if you are a new student)
2. Complete enrollment steps
3. Search the class schedule for:
   • KINE 181A – Beginning Adapted Aquatics
   • KINE 181B – Intermediate Aquatics
   • KINE 182 – Adapted Weight Training
   • KINE 184 – Adapted Body Conditioning
4. Register for the course that best meets your interests and goals

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) supports students with disabilities by providing accommodations, resources, and services to promote access and success at Palomar College.

Students who may need accommodations are encouraged to connect with the DRC.

Services may include:

• Academic accommodations
• Disability-related support services
• Assistance with navigating college resources
• Support with creating an accessible college experience

Questions?

If you need more information or are unsure which Adapted Kinesiology class is right for you, contact LeAnne Farmer in the Kinesiology Department at lfarmer@palomar.edu. She is happy to help you find the course that best matches your goals and interests.