Every now and then I come across a business and am just blown away. Special Strong is one of those. ​If you haven’t heard of Special Strong, I cannot wait to introduce you to them today.

I first learned of Special Strong on Instagram, and it is now an account that is 100% guaranteed to make me smile. Special Strong serves the special needs population in several ways, including providing personal training. If you want to see the look of joy and confidence spread over someone’s face, go check them out.

Special Strong  seeks to empower the mind, body, and spirit of the special needs population with the strength and confidence to live a more independent and abundant life. 

Today I have the pleasure of  speaking with Donna Lankford, the office manager for Special Strong and the mother of a special needs child. ​

In today’s episode we discuss:

• The origins of Special Strong. 
• What STRONG stands for.
• The tangible and intangible benefits of client training and why the intangible can outweigh the physical benefits.
• Why Special Strong can be helpful for those who are not in a structured setting.
• The individual evaluation and process for optimal training.
• How to help and support parents of special needs children.
• What NOT to say to to a special needs parent.
• Other words to show support.
• Appropriate responses when you see outbursts to people you don’t know in public.
• How to try a free personal training session with Special Strong.
• How to become certified to train in the special needs community.
• Approaching the nutrition process with a special needs client. 

About Special Strong:

In 2011, Daniel Stein felt called to train children, adolescents, and adults with special needs. With certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) and becoming a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer, Daniel specializes in health and fitness for the special needs population. In 2016, Daniel and his wife, Trinity, started Special Strong.

Special Strong operates with Christian values from the Bible, which drives everything that we do with our clients. Since the launch of Special Strong, their team has been able to improve the lives of hundreds of clients affected by autism, aspergers, down syndrome, ADD/ADHD, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, stroke victims, obesity, and much more! It is their desire to expand Special Strong into new markets with the desire to affect positive change in as many lives as possible.

About Donna:

Donna became a special needs mom on January 13, 1995 when her son Chris was born. She didn’t know at the time he had special needs, but it became very apparent within the first six months that he was developing differently that other babies his age. It wasn’t until he was 17 that he was correctly diagnosed with Autism. She has three other children: Caitlin 28, Isabel 15 and Jack 13.

Donna had always been afraid of having a child with special needs.  In God’s grace He gave her Chris despite her fears. Chris is now 25, and an amazing young man with a full and productive life.

She started with Special Strong in June of 2018. Chris had participated in one of their group classes for a year and Donna knew the core values and integrity of the company.  She is the office manager where she speaks with new and existing clients, manages the online tools and gives support to trainers.  She loves working for Special Strong as it provides her with the opportunity to be involved in the special needs community.

Connect with Special Strong:

Special Strong: https://www.specialstrong.com/

Certify Strong: https://www.certifystrong.com/

Unlock Strong: https://www.unlockstrong.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/specialstrong/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialstrong/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialStrong

Twitter: https://twitter.com/specialstrongus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/specialstrong/

972-836-8464  or 833-LIFE-GYM ( 543-3496)

Women over 40 – this one’s for you!

If you are over 40 and feel like you need to move your body differently than you have in the past, I have good news for you. I’m working on developing a video workout series of an ideal week of fitness over 40. Sign up to be notified when it’s released this fall at www.gracedhealth.com/fitness-over-40

Want more?

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Have a graced day,

Amy