Never Give Up!

NO Limits at Medstar NRH with your DPI Adaptive Fitness trainers

2015-08-03T17:24:00.001-04:00

Join us for NO Limits at Medstar NRH

Tuesday-Adaptive Weight Training

Thursday- Adaptive Boxing Fitness

Saturday- Adaptive Circuit Training

Contact us for more info: DPIadaptivefitness@gmail.com

DPI Adaptive Fitness-Updated website & Adaptive Fitness Games Pics

2015-04-07T20:55:00.001-04:00

Hey Team,

Quick update was done to the DPI Adaptive Fitness go check it out when you get a chance.

Also, The Adaptive Fitness Games pics have been put on the website under our new "Breaking DPI News" link. Be sure to check them out and let us know what you think.

That's all for now.

Keep Fighting and Never Give Up!

-Devon

"Winter" DPI Adaptive Fitness Games Hosted by Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital Official Results

2015-04-03T17:36:00.000-04:00

Hello Team,

Below are the OFFICIAL RESULTS following last weekends wildly successful 1st ever Winter DPI Adaptive Fitness Games hosted by Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital.

It was such a great time, we really had a blast putting this event together with Medstar NRH's No Limits coordinator Harsh T.

This event was designed to showcase abilities, to test strength, endurance, and determination to complete each event all while inspiring others at all levels of ability to get moving and showing them that no matter what "Fitness is for everyone at any level"

We are already hard at work planning the Summer DPI Adaptive Fitness Games which will include bigger and better events AND...we will make it an open invitational (meaning anyone can enter to compete from anywhere)

Take a look a the final results, and keep an eye out for some great pics of the event coming soon.

Keep Fighting and Never Give up!

-Devon

1st ever DPI Adaptive Fitness Games was a success!!!!

2015-03-29T09:47:00.000-04:00

Hello Team,

I wanted to share a letter that I sent out this morning to everyone involved in making our first ever Adaptive Fitness Games such a success.

It was an amazing event and feedback so far is that everyone loved it and is anxiously awaiting our summer games.

We definitely saw some areas for improvement, but overall we are extremely confident that we can now hold an open invitational when the time comes. This way anyone at any level can come from anywhere to compete, how cool will that be!!!

Stay tuned for more pics of the event....

"Just wanted to send a special thank you to the DPI team...Pablo, Katie, Baldwin, Stephanie and Meaghan.

You guys and gals have been so instrumental in keeping the programming running smoothly and in supporting DPI leading up to and during the games yesterday.

Bigger things ahead, glad to have you all working with me.

To all the volunteers, you all rocked your assignments yesterday. Everything went way better than I had planned. Thank you for giving up your Saturday to help us out.

Joan and Harsh, thank you for having us lead the fitness programming and for giving us the platform to do the games.

All of the competitors...you guys were amazing!!!

I hope you all had as much fun competing as we did designing and putting together this event.

Congratulations to the winners:

Stroke Division: Christie

Open Division: Twila

Quadriplegia Division: Billy

Paraplegia Division: Harsh

This event was a vision that we had for a very long time, it was incredible to see it realized.

We are looking forward to an even bigger and better Open Invitational Summer Games "outdoors"

THANK YOU ALL!!!!"

-Devon

Check out the article from the post here:

http://wapo.st/1MhhwKT

Adaptive Fitness Games.....Let the Countdown begin!!!

2015-03-22T21:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Adaptive Superheroes!!!!

Tomorrow begins a new week for everyone, but for us it begins an exciting countdown to the very first Adaptive Fitness Games!!!

That's right Saturday March 28th 2:30 DPI Adaptive Fitness and Medstar NRH's No Limits wellness program will be hosting a fitness event designed to test strength, endurance, and ability as we have our competitors compete against one another, encourage one another and inspire everyone!!!

We are very excited that this event will finally be taking place, as it has been a vision of ours for many years.

Come join us, support the adaptive athletes, and be inspired by the awesomeness that will fill the event arena on this afternoon.

Below is the release of the divisions and events that our competitors will be participating in.

All are welcome, refreshments will be provided and parking will be validated. We hope to see you there...

Keep Fighting, Never Give up!

-Devon

It's Going down on March 28th!!!!

DPI Adaptive Fitness Winter Games have been rescheduled!

2015-02-27T20:03:00.001-05:00

Attention all Adaptive Superheroes and Supporters!!!!!

Join us on our new date of March 28th at 2:30 at Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital for the first DPI Adaptive Fitness Winter Games!!!!

Come cheer on, motivate, encourage and be inspired by our awesome Adaptive Competitors in the following divisions:

Stroke Division

Spinal Cord Injury-Quadriplegia

Spinal Cord Injury-Paraplegia

Open Division- Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Paraplegia

As they compete against eachother in 3 Adaptive Fitness events designed to test strength, endurance, and ability to determine the winter games champions!!!

We are more than excited to present this event in partnership with National Rehab Hospital's "NO LIMITS" wellness program, we hope to see you there!!!

Click on this link for specific details: DPI Adaptive Fitness Games 2015

Keep Fighting, Never Give Up!
-Devon

Guest Post for Stroke Comeback Center...

2015-02-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

Hello Adaptive Superheroes!!!

I'm sure many of you have seen through our Facebook and other social media accounts like Instagram and Twitter that we had to postpone the DPI Adaptive Fitness Winter Games at Medstar NRH on Feb 21st due to inclement weather.

While we are definitely bummed that we could not hold the event on our set date, we are glad that the call was made to cancel. Some areas in the DMV got close to a foot of snow!

Nevertheless, we are moving forward and planning on holding the Games on a new date. Stay tuned for updates and the announcement of the new date.

We are so excited to be holding this event in partnership with Medstar NRH, it is sure to be a big hit.

Today I want to bring attention to the Stroke Comeback Center. In the past year I have had the pleasure of guest lecturing on Adaptive Fitness for people recovering from Stroke as well as working one on one with many of the centers members.

I recently was asked to write a post for their website speaking to heart health following Stroke. Take a look at the post here: or go to www.strokecomebackcenter.org and click on the Heart link under the recovery tab.

Every year it is reported that 795,000 people in the US alone suffer the effects of a Stroke, of that amount, 185,000 strokes—nearly one of four—are in people who have had a previous stroke. The article posted on the Stroke Comeback Centers website touches on precautionary measures that can be taken to ensure a decreased risk of having a second stroke.

It is said that 1 in 5 people are living with some form of a disABILITY, please share this post with someone whom you feel may benefit.

That's all for now, Stay tuned for more updates on the games....

Keep Fighting, Never Give up!!!

-Devon

Inaugural Adaptive Fitness Winter Games at Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital with DPI Adaptive Fitness

2015-01-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Hello Adaptive Superheroes!!!

It has been awhile since my last post, so many good things have been happening it's almost hard to keep up with it all.

My hope with this post is to bring everyone up to speed with what DPI Adaptive Fitness has been up to and what is planned for the future.

You have to check out the videos below....

Updates:

-Since October we have been steady participating in lectures and events for the community including lectures at local rehab hospitals, Stroke Comeback Center, Spina Bifida walk and roll events and even the Super H Run, Walk and Wheel to benefit Adaptive Sports programs in the Washington DC area.

-In addition we have been working very hard and closely with Medstar NRH to provide free adaptive fitness classes to the community. This has been a tremendous success, to the point where we have added an additional day of free supervised adaptive fitness exercise sessions to the disABLED community.

It is soooo awesome to see so many people all at varying levels of ability come out and give it their all during our classes.

If you have a second, check out the videos and comment below, word of encouragement and motivation go a long way for our participants.

-We also have had the pleasure of meeting and being even more motivated by an awesome group by the name of I AM ADAPTIVE. Please check them out, they are doing such a fabulous job of bringing awareness and creating a great community of Adaptive Athletes together.

-Lastly, we are super excited to be hosting (along with NRH) the first of it's kind Adaptive Fitness Winter Games on Feb 21, 2015 from 2:30-4:30 at Medstar NRH.

This event is sure to be a hit, myself and the other Adaptive Fitness Trainers of DPI Adaptive Fitness have designed an Adaptive Fitness event for our open gym participants to compete against one another to determine the Winter champion of 2015 in the following divisions:

Stroke

Spinal Cord Injury-Paraplegia

Spinal Cord Injury-Quadriplegia

Open Division (Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Amputee, Seniors)

Online Division (Anyone at home that would like to compete following our Instagram account: dpiadaptivefitness)

This event is sure to be a big hit, if you are at all able make sure to come by to cheer, motivate, support, and be inspired by our adaptive competitors.

We have lots more in the works and are soooo very excited to see where the future takes us, check back for updates!!!

Open Gym with DPI Adaptive Fitness:

Adaptive Boxing Fitness with DPI Adaptive Fitness:

That's all for now.

Keep Fighting, Never Give up!

-Devon

2014-10-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

That's what I'm talking about!

Great job Men's Health and Today show for highlighting Noah Galloway and all individuals living with a disability that continue to push, and are determined to Never Give Up!

You guys are an inspiration to us all and deserve even more recognition just for being bosses!

-DPI Adaptive Fitness

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/09/amputee-vet-graces-mens-health_n_5955530.html

ps. I almost forgot to add... for all those interested,

Devon Palermo

of DPI Adaptive Fitness will be leading the warm ups for the annual Spina Bifida Walk n Roll to benefit the Spina Bifida Association.

Come join us for exercise, fun, family and friends.

Check out the link to learn more: http://www.walknrollforsb.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1110856#.VDrtuyx0wq0

We hope to see you all there!

Check out my recent interview with "I Am Adaptive"....

2014-09-24T21:43:00.002-04:00

I think it is so awesome that more Adaptive Fitness Trainers and Facilities are starting to emerge, it is a much needed and long overdue necessity for the benefit of the disability community.

I recently was reached out to by a great trainer who has been impacted by disability, and who like me has recognized the extreme need to provide adaptive fitness to those who long for it.

Ellyse Trethric is working on great things for the Adaptive community, specifically Adaptive Athletes.

Check out her website www.iamadaptive.com

and while you're there take a look at the recent interview I sat for with her here:

Great things are happening in the Adaptive Fitness world!

Keep fighting, Never Give up!

2014-09-06T22:41:00.001-04:00

DPI Adaptive Fitness is now working with Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital to offer Free Adaptive Fitness classes to the disability community.

We would love for you to join us

Thursdays for Adaptive Boxing Fitness in the 2nd floor Cardiac Gym from 5:30 to 6:30 with Adaptive Fitness Specialist Devon Palermo

And

Saturdays for Open Gym from 10 to 1 in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Gym for a great circuit resistance training routine with the Staff of DPI Adaptive Fitness and Volunteer Therapists from NRH

One on One training is also available with the trainers of DPI Adaptive Fitness

Check out www.devonpalermoinc.com for more info

Paula R. Geigle: 2013 PVA Education Foundation Grant Recipient - Paralyzed Veterans of America

2014-07-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

Paula R. Geigle: 2013 PVA Education Foundation Grant Recipient - Paralyzed Veterans of America

Even more reasons to exercise and Never Give Up!

2014-04-20T19:14:00.002-04:00

Hey Team,

I'm sure many of you have heard of the recently released research study involving epidural stimulation.

If you haven't seen the research article yet, you can take a look here!

or, if you would prefer to see an overview you can check that out here!

This is very exciting and proves that researchers are closer than ever in finding ways to improve spinal cord injury rehabilitation and recovery.

Much of the research talked about consistent loco motor training, daily movement practice at home-7 days a week, and consistent stand training before and after implanted epidural stimulation.

Research also showed that when subjects worked consistently as instructed, they were able to have voluntary movement of their legs with less stimulation.

This makes me feel even more strongly that aggressive, repeated, task-specific activity is a very important part of an Adaptive Fitness routine for someone post SCI.

Neural Plasticity is evident in this new research, even with implanted stimulation, repeated, consistent activity yields positive results.

An Adaptive Fitness routine will keep you strong, motivated, functional, happy, and keep you ready for any and all new advancements in SCI research.

If you haven't already check out DPI Adaptive Fitness & Personal Training, we're working on some great content with online Adaptive Boxing Fitness Classes, latest research and news, and Adaptive Fitness training services for those recovering from spinal cord injury, stroke, or any other neurological illness or injury.

That's all for now,

Keep fighting, Never give up!

-Devon

DPI Fitness TV on Devonpalermoinc.com

2014-04-01T11:54:00.002-04:00

Hey Team,

I'm pretty excited about this.

Check out the video above or Devonpalermoinc.com. We've just launched DPI Fitness TV!!!!

What is DPI Fitness TV?

Well, It's an Adapted Fitness TV channel. What we hope to accomplish is to provide access to Adapted Boxing Fitness classes to everyone and anyone regardless of location.

So many individuals are really enjoying the live classes here in the DC, MD, VA area, from Seniors, to SCI, Stroke, Amputee, and even Therapists at the rehab hospitals. The class is fun, high energy, and challenging for everyone at ANY level.

We're in the initial stages, but plan to offer live streaming classes to everyone for a very nominal cost.

Stay tuned for now as I will be offering many trial classes to work the bugs out, tell your friends, and get ready to get your boxing on!

Check out Devonpalermoinc.com for a sample warm-up session that I performed with my Senior group recently.

That's all for now!

Remember....Keep Fighting & Never Give Up!

-Devon

Adaptive Fitness Equipment Recommendations (part deuce)

2014-03-22T22:39:00.001-04:00

Hey Team,

Recently one of my most popular posts was published on the largest personal trainer development site on the net, The PTDC.

If you haven't seen it yet, you can check it out here: http://www.theptdc.com/2014/03/disability-fitness/

I'm very happy that so many people have found it to be helpful, I've received a lot of positive feedback.

I also wanted to thank everyone that sent in the suggestions to add to the list and decided to post them here for all to see.

Catalyst Fitness made recommendations to include:

Redcord

&

The Surge 180 or Surge 360

other comments recommended:

Concept2 Rower

and

The Wheelchair gym

I like all of the above suggestions and would be excited to really get into a session and be as creative as possible when using them with an Adaptive Fitness client.

I do though feel that to ensure maximum safety of the Adaptive Fitness client, the above items would only be able to be utilized under the supervision of a qualified Adaptive Fitness Trainer, so I decided to not update the list to include them.

I think a future list I compile will include all Adaptive Fitness equipment and not just the top ten for users to utilize at home.

I appreciate all of the feedback and encourage everyone to send in any recommendations they may think would benefit an Adaptive Fitness clients training session.

Keep Fighting, Never Give up!

-Devon

The single best activity you can perform at home when recovering from a Stroke (Hands down!)

2014-03-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Hey Team,

One of the questions that I receive the most following an adaptive fitness assessment from a client is "what should I be doing on my own?"...

This is a great question, and my answer to these clients usually receives the following response... "that's it!"

Clients usually expect a really elaborate exercise program right from the start so that they can begin performing it as soon and as often as possible so that they can reap the rewards sooner.

I've learned over the course of my career that consistency in the performance of an exercise or activity is more important than the program design or slew of exercises that I can give a client, because of this I instruct the majority of my clients who are recovering from a stroke to perform one activity, every day, for a duration of 20 minutes, consistently!

Walking!

That's right, walking....

"Well I walk everyday" is probably what your thinking, and I'm sure you do walk every day but, what I mean is a timed duration of 20 minutes of walking with little to no rest breaks (standing rest breaks are allowed).

One of the greatest ways to improve Neuroplasiticy is through Functional, task specific, repetitive movements.

What is more Functional, Task Specific, and Repetitive than Walking?

Think about it...You're in a weight bearing position (excellent), you have to shift weight from one hip to the other to take steps (even more excellent), you have to maintain balance while shifting weight (Super excellent) and you have to reciprocate this movement over and over again for 20 minutes (Amazing).

Not to mention the breathing, core stabilization, and mental focus that's also involved.

Throw in some extra visual stimulation, focus (and bonus points) for walking in busy areas where people are so focused on where they're going they don't watch where their walking.

The benefit of this repeated activity has been proven during my personal adapted fitness training sessions and in several studies.

You can take a look at the studies for yourself here:

http://newsroom.heart.org/news/post-stroke-walking-program-improves-stroke-survivors-lives

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/03/07/walking-program-helps-stroke-survivors-get-on-with-life

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14586916

So much neuronal activity is present when walking which is why this is the Hands Down number one activity I give my clients recovering from a stroke.

If you would like to see more exercises that I recommend my clients following a Stroke you can check out the Disability Fitness Handbook here:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/devon-palermo/disability-fitness/paperback/product-21314244.html

Hope you enjoyed this article!

Please like and comment in the comments section.

Keep Fighting & Never Give Up!

-Devon

Team Never Give Up-dates.....

2014-01-19T15:51:00.003-05:00

Hey Team,

Hope today's post finds you well.

Exciting things have been happening and I wanted to update everyone,

1. I recently presented two lectures at the VA Stroke Comeback Center for it's members on Adaptive Fitness post stroke.

More specifically I spoke on the importance of:

-Pushing outside your comfort zone

-Believing in your abilities to perform

-Utilizing compound exercises to improve Neuroplasticity in a safe environment

-Stressed consistency for maximum benefit

-Adaptive Fitness Assessment and Program design

-Resources and group exercise available

Volunteers participated in demonstration for Adaptive Fitness assessments and program design exercises.

It was a great time, with two great groups....Lots of fun and I thank the VA Stroke Comeback Center for having me.

For more information (Hours, Location, etc...) Visit the VA Stroke Comeback Center website here

2. January 2nd 2014 was the official start of a new group Adaptive Boxing Fitness class designed and instructed by yours truly, but presented by National Rehabilitation Hospital to the community free of charge.

I am really excited to lead this first of it's kind group Adaptive Boxing Fitness class and welcome all that are in the area to come check it out.

This Adaptive Boxing Fitness Class is for everyone at any level to participate.

What to expect:

-A high energy and fun filled hour of Adaptive Boxing Fitness

-Cross training with traditional boxing drills designed to improve conditioning, and maximize upper body strength with resistance (as needed).

-Group session that includes wheelchair users, walkers, patients, those in the community, and therapists as volunteers.

This class is steadily growing, the word is getting out, come check us out Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm in the Cardiac Gym at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

I guarantee you will have a great time while improving your fitness level.

3. I have been invited to have a book signing at the Sunrise of Reston for my recently released Disability Fitness Handbook. (stay posted to the blog for date and time)

-The signing will be available to family members and residents of the Sunrise of Reston community.

-Sunrise of Reston has a great team in place that really provides a safe, nurturing, and active senior community.

- I have the pleasure of leading a seated group boxing fitness class for the residents Mondays 3:30-4:30

For more information on the Sunrise of Reston please click here

For more information on the disability fitness handbook click here

4. I'm really excited to be working with the Sabrina Cohen Foundation.

Sabrina is a great visionary and advocate for the disabled community, I'm really happy to be working with her and her team.

-Stay tuned for updates from the SCF.

-Take a look at the Sabrina Cohen Foundation site here

If you have a chance take a look at some of the sites provided above they may be of interest to you or someone you know.

That's all for now,

Keep Fighting and Never Give Up!

-Devon

Why YOU should understand what Neuroplasticity is and how it can help you

2013-12-18T17:26:00.003-05:00

Hey Team,

I hope that all of you are doing well, staying active, and prepping for Christmas next week. I can't believe we're so close to Christmas and the end of another year, It seems to just go by quicker and quicker every year.

It's been a little while since my last post and I apologize for that, things have been a little crazy since the release of the book... I also recently have transitioned from part time in the PT clinic and part time Adaptive Fitness Training to just full time Adaptive Fitness Training. While I do love the Physical Therapy profession, the need is just too great for Adaptive Fitness Trainers, so I have dedicated myself to providing my services as an Adaptive Fitness Trainer full time and to reach as many people as possible.

It's been really cool to be able to help so many people locally and out of state, this has been the reason for my recent hiatus in my posting.

I come back though, with a great post! I think you all will benefit from this post and really think it will make you think about your fitness activity a bit differently after reading it. If you like it please comment below, Enjoy!

Why YOU should understand what Neuroplasticity is and how it can help you

Let's get past the terminology for a second, we'll come back to that.... the majority of my post stroke and spinal cord injury clients are usually coming to me because they want to walk better, get stronger, or improve their function.

They want to continue the benefits of their PT program, just one problem......

Physical Therapy is complete, and they have been discharged!

Some people will just wait until they are able to resume PT, others will do some exercise here and there, and some will hire a trainer.

Hiring a trainer is great, but...

Going to a trainer who does not have a background working with people who have disabilities is like driving in circles, they mean well but ultimately cannot design a program to benefit you to improve function.

They most likely will focus on things that you can do very well, while neglecting the more challenging activities that you cannot do or are too weak to perform efficiently.

This is where an Adaptive Fitness Trainer shines, as an Adaptive Fitness Trainer we are looking to maximize everything you;ve got. Communicating closely with your medical team (PT, OT, MD) We will do whatever we can in the safest manner possible to maximize your strength and improve your function by attacking your weakest points, attacking your nervous system, getting you to try to use as many muscles all at once as much as you can and doing this over and over and over again.

Now....lets go back to the term: Neuroplasticity. What is Neuroplasticity and how can it help you....

Check out the following per www.Medicine.Net

Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment.

Brain reorganization takes place by mechanisms such as "axonal sprouting" in which undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect neurons whose links were injured or severed. Undamaged axons can also sprout nerve endings and connect with other undamaged nerve cells, forming new neural pathways to accomplish a needed function.

For example, if one hemisphere of the brain is damaged, the intact hemisphere may take over some of its functions. The brain compensates for damage in effect by reorganizing and forming new connections between intact neurons. In order to reconnect, the neurons need to be stimulated through activity.

"Forming new neural pathways to accomplish a needed function" This is done through repeated compound activities that require communication throughout your nervous system to many muscles all in a preferred weightbearing position.

This is the reason why the FES bike, the Locomat, and other rehab tools have become so popular.

Research proved that locomotor assisted walking over a period of time improved neuroplasticity in patients, as well as regular consistent walking for periods of 20 minutes a day. See here and here.

The point of this post is to stress to you that consistent activity will yield positive results. If you can safely walk the hallways with your walker or cane, then bring a stopwatch and do it for twenty minutes or more daily (with rest breaks as needed), if you have access to an Adaptive Fitness Trainer, then be bold, be fearless, have your trainer challenge you beyond what you think you can do. If you don't have a trainer do whatever exercise or movement or activity that you can safely attempt to do on your own and be consistent and do it often.

If improving Neuroplasticity is done by consistent repeated movements, than just sitting at home isn't going to help. Start moving!

If you don't know where to start check out my book disabilityfitnesshandbook.com for some info to get you started on an adapted fitness program, talk to your therapist, or contact an Adaptive Fitness Trainer in your area.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

As always......

Keep Pushing, Never Give Up!

-Devon

Like DisabilityFitnessHandbook on Facebook and follow me on twitter

The Disability Fitness Handbook is finally here!

2013-11-13T16:25:00.001-05:00

Hey Team,

I'm so excited to present this to you guys.... www.disabilityfitnesshandbook.com

I feel like I've been working on this book for forever, there have been so many speed bumps that I have encountered that prevented or delayed my working on the book, but I persevered, held strong, and Never gave up because I really feel that this can be an extremely helpful tool for all of you and I wanted it to be just right so that you will love it as much I loved putting it together.

As an Adaptive Fitness Trainer, I really see the benefit in a book like this for people living with a disability that just aren't sure....Not sure about nutrition, not sure about adaptive sports, not sure about fitness or specifically what exercises to do.

My hope is that this book will fill some gaps and present some "A ha" moments so that you all will begin to or increase your current level of fitness and become more sure of your Abilities.

I really hope you enjoy it.....

Check out some more info on the book at the following website: www.disabilityfitnesshandbook.com

on this site you will be able to download a free chapter, take a look at some of the downloadable forms that are in the book and learn a little more about the book.

You will be able to purchase a PDF copy, Amazon Kindle download or a Barnes and Noble download for just $5.95

Also you can check out and leave comments on the Disability Fitness Handbook Facebook page, like us and friend us spread the word about this awesome resource.

As always....

Keep Fighting and Never Give Up!

-Devon

Inspiring blind bodybuilder caught my attention....

2013-11-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hey Team,

The other day I caught a story on television that really grabbed my attention.

The story was about Pat Leahy, a man who was born with a rare genetic disease that left him with only 4% of his vision and whose parents were told he would never live a normal life.

This story is amazing....It is everything that the Never Give Up attitude, lifestyle, and mantra is all about.

This guy is truly an inspiration, his dedication and perseverance are definitely a motivating factor in everything that I do.

Full time job on capital hill....no problem,

vision impaired....so what,

Not only does he give it his all during his workout sessions, he also competes in bodybuilding competitions.

Great stuff.....

Check out the story here: http://www.today.com/klgandhoda/inspiring-blind-bodybuilder-defies-odds-8C11553827

Let it motivate you too!

-Devon

Happy Halloween!!!!

2013-10-31T15:26:00.000-04:00

Hey Team,

I received an awesome email from www.spinalpedia.com today and wanted to share it.

Not many people dress up for Halloween.... I love Halloween (other than the fact it's my birthday) it's such an awesome day to just be young and have fun. I think all of us could benefit from slowing things down a bit and just enjoying something small and silly like dressing up in costume.

I'm sure all of you have numerous great memories of your past Halloween adventures, anyway Check it out here http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e91567037e4b5ed54a0dee386&id=8fdddcabd0&e=af83f95cb9

Bonus....They touch on Wheelchair boxing which for those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of Boxing Fitness at any level and implement with almost every client of mine, the benefits. are. endless.

Check it out here http://www.spinalpedia.com/blog/2013/10/brits-women-quads-take-wheelchair-boxing/

If you haven't checked out www.spinalpedia.com yet please do so, a great online community and a great resource for everyone who is living with a spinal cord injury.

Lastly, an update on the Disability Fitness Handbook.....Editing has been completed and formatting for Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble is currently in process.

I am so proud of this work, and can't wait to share my insight as an Adaptive Fitness Specialist with you.

I'm hoping It will be ready for release by mid November, please stay posted....

Happy Halloween!!!!

Me in my full Super Trainer costume for Halloween!!!

Update on the book....Disability Fitness (A Fitness Handbook for those living with Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputee or as Seniors)

2013-10-24T11:23:00.001-04:00

Hey Team,

Things have been a little hectic.....I'm in the process of taking on more Adaptive Fitness Clients and cutting back hours in the PT clinic.

I'm looking to keep my Therapy License active, but there is such a need for Adaptive Fitness Trainers, that I decided to go out full time and make myself more available to help those interested in continued fitness after injury or illness.

Exciting times....

I also
wanted to give a quick update on the book.

Editing pictures took much longer than expected, but it was definitely worth it.

The next step is to send off for Formatting so that it can be viewed on Kindle, Nook, or on any other electronic device.

I'm also in the process of obtaining copyright status, and building a website (www.disabilityfitnesshandbook.com) where you will be able to view a sample chapter of the book, take a look at the book cover and description and table of contents.

The site is not live yet, but once it is I will let you all know.

I've also contacted a company about possible having a printed copy of the book made, depending on how the electronic version does.

I really am excited about presenting this book and sharing my knowledge on adaptive fitness to the public.

Stay tuned for continued updates and an official release date.

Thanks for the support!

-Devon

I want you to be prepared.....What to expect during your fitness assessment

2013-10-14T16:16:00.001-04:00

Hey Team,

I want you to be prepared.....

I've recently been completing a lot of fitness assessments for adaptive training as well as personal training and thought it be a good idea to list what you should expect out of your initial visits with your personal trainer/adaptive trainer so that you can make the most out of your first visit and make an informed decision on committing to sessions with your new trainer.

So you've found a trainer and have set up an initial visit, here are some things to expect out of your first visit.

This is an information gathering meeting: Be prepared to have information ready to provide to your trainer, this includes: Emergency contact info, your medication lists, recent injuries or ailments, etc...

You will be presented with release forms to be signed before any physical activity begins: Consent forms, confidentiality forms, and medical release forms are the norm.

The trainer will conduct a question/answer period including your past exercise history, medical history, current nutrition habits and will discuss realistic short term and long term goals that as a team you will strive to meet.

You may have your baseline body fat, heart rate, blood pressure, and body measurements checked.

Once you have completed the above, you will now move onto the physical assessment portion of the visit.

This will include an assessment of your current strength and endurance (ie, push up test/sit-up test) form and function (squat test) Balance and cardio endurance (Step test)

If your living with a disability an adaptive training assessment will be performed. This will include an assessment of your abilities to perform tasks such as sitting balance, transitioning from sit to stand, your ability to get down to and up from the floor, and your upper body strength and endurance

(Adaptive training assessments will really vary per the individual and the disability)

Now that all of the above have been completed, your trainer will schedule some follow up visits with you and will implement a program based off of your assessment designed to meet your goals and your trainers goals for you.

As mentioned in previous posts, consistency is key and is instrumental in achieving progression towards goals.

If your completing an assessment in your home try to do the following in preparation for your assessment:

Have an open space dedicated to the assessment

Wear workout clothing (your going to be moving around aren't you)

Bring your water ahead of time

What to look for in an adaptive fitness trainer:

Many of the accredited certifying agencies are offering certifications for exercise therapy or adaptive fitness. This is a specialty certification, usually in addition to a Personal Training Certification.

Ask to make sure your trainer is insured (just in case)

Ask about your trainers background working with similar clients.

Keep an eye out for my book coming out the end of this month, in it I will touch on fitness that can be completed at home with supervision for those recovering from Stroke, SCI, Amputation, or who are Seniors, it will also cover self assessments, nutrition, and adaptive sports

The book is a real comprehensive guide and I'm excited to share it with everyone.

That's all for now Team,

Keep Fighting and Never Give Up!

-Devon

Adaptive Fitness Resource Guide soon to be released

2013-09-26T15:20:00.001-04:00

Hey Team,

I'm excited to announce that I am nearing the final preparations and expect to release an Adaptive Fitness resource guide (e-book) by mid-late October.

This guide will cover Assessment, Nutrition, and most importantly exercise to improve functional tasks for individuals living with Stroke, Spinal cord injury, Amputation, or as Seniors.

I'm really excited to put all of this information together into a comprehensive resource guide for people living with disabilities to refer to that may not have access to accessible fitness centers or adaptive trainers.

As an Adaptive Fitness Specialist myself, I feel that there are not enough accessible gyms, or trainers to really push someone to their full potential.

I put this guide together in hope that more individuals living with disabilities will become motivated to live a healthier lifestyle to the best of their ability.

This resource guide is based on research and my own personal experience working with people living with disabilities.

If interested, Keep checking back or subscribe to my blog for updates on when the release will be you can also follow me on twitter @fitdp23.

Take care for now!

Keep Fighting, Never Give Up!

-Devon

2013 Super H Run Walk Wheel to benefit adaptive sports programs

2013-09-23T16:12:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was such a great day for such a great event!

Early Sunday morning my daughter and I attended the annual Super H 5 K Run Walk Wheel to benefit adaptive sports programs in the DMV area.

It has been a couple of years since I last attended, I'm so glad I made it out this year.

It was really great to see some of the Therapists and patients that I used to work with at the rehab hospital.

This event really personifies the "Never Give Up" attitude that I so often express, people of all abilities going out and competing a 5K race with the benefit going to programs that will further instill the "Never Give Up" lifestyle.

It was awesome to see people wheeling the race in quad rugby chairs, hand cycles, crutches, walking, running...what a great collaboration of athletes

If you would like more info on the Super H race here is a link to check it out: http://medstarnrh.org/Ways+to+Give/Events/Super+H/default.aspx

Keep Fighting, Never Give Up

-Devon