Episode 67: Inclusive functional fitness and training.

Sergio Calderon is the founder of Valiant Fitness. He provides an all-inclusive functional training program for individuals of all abilities. His program was created after awareness that community-based fitness programs were not available to serve individuals with IDD and Mental Health needs. Sergio lives in Murfreesboro, TN but grew up in a small town named Fillmore in Southern California. 

Sergio says: " I always wanted to work with people to help them be the healthiest version of themselves. While I wasn't sure how that would look, I had a passion for helping people. I began my schooling by majoring in Kinesiology. At that time, I worked at a physical therapy clinic." 

"Unfortunately, during my time in college, I had an accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury along with several broken throughout my body. This re-routed my life completely. In one night, my goals changed to fighting for my life, finding the strength to overcome the physical and mental limitations that I now faced, and learning to walk, talk, and live a functional life again."

 "After many months of therapy of all kinds, I began to see myself again, I was able to think about the dreams that I once had and found ways to pursue them. I know now, more than ever, that I wanted to help people. I had a new sense of compassion and understanding after living with so many limitations. After that, I enrolled back in school. I received my Bachelor's in Kinesiology shortly after. I worked with the community through many different facets when I was finally introduced to the field I am currently in. I worked as a coach with the special needs population at another local gym back home. In my time there, I was able to really grow as a person and as a coach."

" I furthered my experience and truly fell in love with the public in this capacity. I had known for years that I wanted to create my own Fitness Program. In fact, I knew what the name would be shortly after my accident. When life finally led me to a place where I could make that dream a reality. Valiant Fitness was born. To be Valiant means to show courage and determination, which is a trait that I see in my students every single day."

Timeline: 

1:30 Sergio's Intro

2:00 Origin Story of Valiant Fitness

5:12 Tell us about your program

6:30 Who are the clients that you primarily serve?

7:40 Your from CA > TN

11:30 What is generally involved in a workout session with you?

13: 00 Advise to parents: Believe in your child's ability to do more than what they have been told. 

My call to action is to provide the right support system in order for your child to excel in their physical abilities.

Sergio can be contacted at [email protected] and reached

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

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

Transcript 

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