The Power of Belonging in Disability Fitness and Social Programs

Why Belonging Is More Than Just a Feeling

Belonging isn't just a nice feeling — it's a psychological and biological need. When people feel like they belong somewhere, their nervous system literally calms. They become more open, more engaged, and more willing to take on challenges. For people with disabilities, who are often excluded, underestimated, or tokenised, the impact of true belonging is even greater.

Before we dive into how we build belonging in my sessions, it’s important to understand why it matters so much in the first place. This isn’t just about being social. It’s about brain wiring. When we feel connected, supported, and included, our brains literally "fire together and wire together" — creating stronger neural pathways for trust, safety, and growth.

Belonging is often what makes the difference between someone showing up with confidence or shutting down completely. It affects behaviour, communication, motivation, and even physical health. When you belong, you matter. When you don’t, everything gets harder. And while a lot of professionals in the psych world understand this, the general public often doesn’t realise just how foundational it is.

What It Looks Like When Someone Doesn’t Belong

So what does not belonging look like? It’s the kid who stops speaking when they walk into a new space. The adult who doesn’t try something because they assume they won’t be welcome. The person who lashes out or shuts down because deep down, they’re just trying to protect themselves from being excluded again. It’s subtle sometimes, but it runs deep. And for many of the people I work with, it’s something they’ve felt over and over again.

To be honest, it’s something I’ve felt my whole life, too. I guess I’ve just been lucky — or stubborn — enough to force my way in when I’ve needed to. I’ve learned how to read a room, adapt, and do what has to be done to get through. But even when you do that, you know deep down you don’t really belong, because you had to force it. That’s a different kind of isolation.

How We Build Belonging in Inclusive Fitness and Social Sessions

That’s why in my sessions, belonging is never an afterthought. It’s the priority. I try to bring the ballgame to the guys, rather than expecting them to figure out how to play on someone else’s field. Whether we’re doing boxing, circuits, games, or craft, the unspoken goal is always connection. We use predictable routines, shared language, music, and inside jokes. We celebrate wins. We look out for each other. Over time, these small, consistent things become rituals, and those rituals build belonging.

And when belonging takes root? Confidence grows. Friendships start. People begin to feel like they’re not just attending something — they’re part of something.

That’s the difference.

And it’s worth everything.