Champions in Motion participants graduate after building strength and confidence through an eight-session Anytime Fitness inclusive workout program.
YORK, Pa. — It was graduation day at Anytime Fitness in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, as participants in the gym’s “Champions in Motion” program completed an eight-session course designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build strength, confidence and healthy habits through fitness.
The program, in partnership with Penn-Mar Human Services, focuses on inclusion and accessibility, emphasizing that fitness is for everyone.
“We want to show people that everybody can work out. Everybody’s welcome,” said Amanda Wildes, general manager of Anytime Fitness Shrewsbury. “Obviously, this is about fitness, but it really was about [how] everybody can learn these things and about building confidence. That’s what Anytime Fitness Shrewsbury really is about — confidence.”
Wildes says the graduation ceremony was emotional, comparing the experience to that of a proud parent.
“I feel like a mom,” she said. “To see them light up and feel so proud of themselves and feel like they belong somewhere and they accomplished something big [is great].”
Over the course of the program, participants progressed from basic exercises to more advanced movements, gaining both physical strength and personal growth along the way.
“It’s been amazing to see them progress and grow,” said Brett Goldstein, a direct support professional with Penn-Mar. “Starting off with basic exercises to all the way advancing to more harder exercises like sled pushes, it’s just been amazing to see the growth.”
For graduate Gene Alderman, the lessons extended beyond the gym floor.
“[I learned] how to sometimes just relax and be quiet sometimes and just listen,” Alderman said. “That’s the best thing for me — to listen and just stay quiet and just relax and let them show you what to do.”
Participants also learned how to incorporate movement into their daily routines, reinforcing habits that extend beyond structured workouts.
“They’re going to go home, and they’re not just going to be sedentary,” Wildes said. “They’re learning to do squats and stuff like that when they’re sitting and watching TV.”
Goldstein emphasized the importance of staying active.
“It’s crucial because a lot of these people, if they don’t move, they lose a lot of ability,” he said. “It’s essential to get moving and get out there.”
With one class graduating, excitement is already building for the next. Interest in the program is growing among other Penn-Mar participants eager to experience it themselves.
“They told everybody at the day program,” Goldstein said. “So, they’re all excited to come try it out. We’re looking forward to getting a whole new group of people to experience the same thing.”
Anytime Fitness Shrewsbury can’t wait to welcome in their next class for Champions in Motion, stressing that “our community is very strong and supportive,” explained Wildes. “And I love that we got to do that for Penn-Mar, too.”