Ouachita Kinesiology’s Tiger Tough empowers, connects people with disabilities
March 06, 2026
- Allie BellOuachita’s Department of Kinesiology is showcasing the importance of awareness, inclusion and health promotion for individuals with disabilities through their adapted fitness program, Tiger Tough. Implemented each semester through a course called Adaptive Kinesiology Methods, the Tiger Tough program allows current department students to participate in and lead fun, engaging and effective exercise classes with disabled individuals at a local Group Living facility.
The Tiger Tough program started in the spring of 2021 and is organized by Dr. Hallie Wallace, assistant professor of kinesiology, who studied the benefits of group-based exercise on body composition and participation in individuals with disabilities for her dissertation.
“The knowledge I gained from my findings, particularly in the improvement of intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints people with disabilities face, helps steer this student-led adapted fitness program,” Wallace said. “More importantly, it teaches students to be the hands and feet of Jesus when working with all ability levels. Students come away from the course with a newfound appreciation for their neighbors with disabilities and an awareness of all the social, spiritual and physical benefits of movement.”
Laura Stewart, a 2025 kinesiology graduate from Lonoke, Arkansas, participated in the program last fall.
“Tiger Tough was such a meaningful experience for me,” Stewart said. “The Zumba session my group did with them reminded me that movement and laughter are universal. It taught me the importance of inclusion and how exercise can make a positive difference in anyone’s life.”
“These individuals love to talk to students, dance and just have fun,” Jadie Langston, a senior kinesiology major from Greenbrier, Arkansas, said. “Tiger Tough helped solidify my career choice of occupational therapy through how much I loved meeting and engaging with the individuals from Group Living. Tiger Tough allowed me to experience the joy that the residents of Group Living share, and for that I am so thankful!”
Ouachita's Department of Kinesiology is committed to showing the love of Christ and making physical health accessible to all by providing opportunities for movement, fun and relationships. To learn more about studying kinesiology at Ouachita, the Tiger Tough program and other opportunities to serve individuals with disabilities, visit obu.edu/kinesiology or contact Ouachita’s Office of Admissions Counseling at 870-245-5110.
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