Special Olympics Indiana has announced its expansion of the Train 4 Life initiative to bring its free fitness program designed for people with intellectual disabilities, ID, that includes partnerships with facilities in seven communities, including some surrounding counties.
Train 4 Life focuses on fitness, nutrition and mental health for Special Olympics athletes ages 13 and older, and the 12-week program include pre and post-program biometric fitness testing, group workout, weekly nutrition and healthy lifestyle education to help maintain physical and mental wellbeing. The program dedicates itself to helping individuals develop healthy choices and see measures outcomes that lead to healthy habits throughout their lifetimes.
According to the organization, studies have shown that nearly three-quarters of adults with ID and half of youth with ID are overweight or obese, and people with ID are four times more likely to acquire Type 2 diabetes and a quarter of them have low bone density.
Special Olympics Indiana released preliminary results from the five pilot programs in 2024, which include:
- 76.6% improvement in upper body strength.
- 406.% improvement in lower body strength.
- 14.5% improvement in endurance.
- 2% improvement in blood pressure.
“This program is an incredible opportunity for our athletes to get health and fitness training outside of their chosen sports seasons,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “By improving their physical fitness and well-being, we are helping to set them up for longer, more fit lives.”
The program’s 2025 sites include:
- CrossFit HSE, Noblesville
- Mad Apple CrossFit, Fort Wayne
- Purdue University Recreation, West Lafayette
- Reclaim, Greensburg
- THIRST, Terre Haute
- Three Cord Fitness, Greenwood
- Unbreakable Athletics Academy, Plainfield
Participants will work out alongside individuals without intellectual disabilities in order to build a sense of mentorship, friendship and community. The program’s model is designed to meet individuals where they are and set achievable goals as they progress and take on increasing physical challenges.
Special Olympics Indiana will continue to monitor and report results. The goal is to expand the program to all 92 Indiana counties.
“Through the Train 4 Life, we are helping athletes improve their performance on the field while also making a measurable impact on their long-term health,” Special Olympics Indiana Manager of Health and Fitness Kyle Moran said. “By partnering with gyms that hold the same values as Special Olympics Indiana, we build up both our athletes and our communities–one rep at a time.”
