Fitting Fitness Into Life: Empowered Fitness and Sports

About Coach Mike: Follow Your Passion

I am a certified personal trainer specializing in fitness programs for children and adolescents. I design training programs that focus on “play” instead of competition by building games (designed or modified for the capabilities of the individual) into each session. My philosophy is one of INclusion, not EXclusion.

The best way to include a child or adolescent in an activity is to figure out what he/she loves. Some easy wins are including their favorite TV show or movie, a video or computer game, or even a movie to use as motivation.

I teach kids to actively pursue excellence in small, manageable increments through my method of EMPOWER. I teach kids how to move properly to reduce the risk of injury. I focus on continuous improvement, not performance.

My overall goal is to enable any child, regardless of ability or background, to have an active life through play. Ultimately, I want them to develop a long-term love of exercise.

My own experiences developed my approach to fitness. I was four when I was diagnosed with a retrieval- and language-based learning disability. The diagnosis opened the floodgates to a series of judgments – from teachers, peers, and even relatives – as to what I could or could not accomplish in life. Despite my challenges with academics, there was one area that made that disappear: sports and fitness.

All my self-esteem issues were an afterthought when I was out on the fields and courts. This was possible because of a special set of programs that I was fortunate to be a part of while attending a school for students with learning disabilities.

I participated in sports programs that emphasized play, inclusiveness, and a level playing field. It didn’t matter if you were a fast runner or a fast math problem solver. It didn’t matter if you could score 20 points in a game or process 20 words at a time. It didn’t matter if you struck out or hit a homer by acing your exam. Everyone had their moment to shine.

I have since learned that this opportunity was quite unique. Sports and fitness often scare children because of the confidence in their abilities; I believe it should be used to promote inclusion. Sports and fitness can - and should - be a gateway to building self-esteem and confidence.

Building the Gym: A Dream Comes to Life

It started with a simple yet profound realization: everyone deserves a space where they can work on their fitness and well-being, especially those individuals with special needs.

As a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, I saw firsthand the life-changing power of exercise. However, I also noticed a significant gap—there weren’t any gyms that catered specifically to the needs of special athletes. This realization sparked a dream to create a gym that was inclusive, accessible, and empowering for special needs athletes.

The Early Days: Challenges and Triumphs

Building the gym was not without its challenges. From securing funding to finding the right location, every step required determination and careful planning. I reached out to local businesses, community leaders, and families of special needs individuals to garner support. Slowly but surely, the pieces began to fall into place.

One of the most memorable moments during this phase was when we held our first community Halloween party. The turnout was overwhelming. The stories about struggling to find suitable fitness facilities were despairing, but they were also heart-warming and motivating. It reinforced the importance of the project and fueled my determination to make it a reality.

Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space

Designing the gym was a collaborative effort. I made sure that every aspect of the gym was tailored to the needs of our athletes by consulting with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education professionals. We installed specialized equipment, created sensory-friendly spaces, and trained our staff to provide personalized support and encouragement.

One of the core principles of our gym was to foster a sense of community. We wanted our athletes to feel that they were part of a supportive and inclusive environment. To achieve this, we organized individual sessions, group classes, social events, and family days. These activities helped our athletes improve their physical fitness and provided opportunities for social interaction and friendship.

The Fitness Journeys: Stories of Transformation

As the gym opened its doors, we were greeted with an outpouring of enthusiasm from the special needs community. Each athlete's journey was unique, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Here are a few stories that stand out:

Building Strength and Independence

A teenager with cerebral palsy had struggled with mobility and coordination their entire life. Our gym provided this athlete with custom tailored strength training programs that gradually improved their physical capabilities.

Over time, this athlete reached milestones that once seemed impossible. They started walking without assistance and participating in fun sports activities. Their journey was a testament to the power of perseverance and the right support system.

Overcoming Obstacles

A teenage athlete with Down syndrome was one of our first members. They always loved to move but had never found a place where they felt comfortable expressing themself. At our gym, they discovered a passion for fitness. With each class their confidence grew, and they even started leading warm-up sessions for our younger athletes.

This athlete's infectious energy and positive attitude became an inspiration to everyone around them.

Finding Friendship

A young athlete with autism had always found social situations challenging. The sensory-friendly spaces in our gym gave this athlete a safe environment to explore and engage.

Our group activities helped them form a close bond with other members. Their friendship blossomed, providing the athlete with the social interactions they had always longed for. Watching this athlete navigate this new world of friendship was incredibly rewarding.

The Impact: A Community Transformed

The gym has become more than just a place for physical fitness; it has evolved into a space of hope, resilience, and joy. Families have shared how their loved ones have gained not only strength but also a sense of belonging. The positive effect on the community has been amazing, creating more awareness and acceptance of special needs individuals.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

The journey of building and running this gym has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Our athletes’ courage and determination inspires me everyday. As we look to the future we plan to expand our programs, reach more special needs individuals, and continue advocating for inclusive fitness spaces.

This gym is a testament to the belief that, with the right support, everyone can achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier, happier life. A dream realized, a community united, and a journey that continues to inspire.