Strength for Every Body: Fitness Options for Athletes With Specific Needs Grow in Burlington

A new fitness center is debuting to the community today, adding to the growing number of fitness options that support athletes with mental health and neuroadaptive needs in Burlington.

Inclusive Fitness is holding a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for its Burlington location at 20 3rd Ave at noon on Wednesday, June 18.

The new fitness center, which has another location in West Roxbury, offers one-on-one and group fitness sessions for athletes with a range of considerations such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injury, genetic disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and more – and ranging from very independent to highly complex.

Inclusive Fitness is also partnering with the Burlington Parks & Recreation Department this summer to provide Neuroadaptive Training for neurodiverse community members and their parents or caregivers. Participants can sign up for a time slot and choose six Wednesdays within the time frame of July 9 through August 27 to attend a 45-minute one-on-one training session. There are still spots available!

Inclusive Fitness isn't the only Burlington gym seeking to train the whole athlete this summer. D1 Training is teaming up with Doc Wayne Youth Services, a nonprofit that so far has reached a million kids in 32 different countries, to bring sport-based mental health therapy to local youth. Kids ages 7-11 and 12-16 can join a youth group on Thursdays, where they'll participate in cooperative exercises, structured games, and mindfulness exercises.

D1 owner, Vic Viktorov, said in a statement, “What better way to help kids build both life and social-emotional skills and overcome challenges than through sport?  Doc Wayne is at the forefront of this incredibly impactful approach, and we look forward to making it accessible to youth in our area.”

The Doc Wayne program is covered by accepted insurance plans for those who meet the medical criteria, according to a press release provided by the program. For more information, reach out to info@docwayne.org.

These opportunities are another step toward a more holistic, inclusive approach to physical and emotional well-being — one that’s increasingly finding a home in and around Burlington. Another example is Sh;ft Studios, a mental-health-forward fitness center, recently began offering sensory-friendly Saturday yoga classes for kids, teens, and adults in partnership with Voice Colors Yoga.

As demand grows for fitness spaces that support mental health and neurodiversity, Burlington is becoming a hub for inclusive wellness options.