Meet the Ipswich trainer helping disabled people find joy in fitness

Why it matters: The 22-year-old personal trainer now runs sessions for adults and children with various disabilities at Fortitude gym in Ipswich, prioritising confidence and enjoyment over traditional fitness metrics.

"In terms of the difference between a conventional personal trainer and working with children and adults with disabilities, it's mainly that you're moving away from quantifiable progress," Foster explained.

"It's more about feeling they're feeling happy, they're enjoying their exercise. For me, that's exactly what it's about."

The backstory: Foster discovered his passion while studying for his sports business degree, after offering to train his friend's brother who has Down syndrome.

"I'd always see him around the house. And I was a personal trainer at the time, and I was doing genetic bodybuilding. But there's something in me that was going, I'd like to help him," Foster said.

"I said to Dylan and his dad, what if I could just have an hour with him in the garden? I'll just do some exercises quickly free. I just wanna see how he gets on. And I probably had the best day of my life to be quite honest."

By the numbers: Foster now sees five to six clients every weekend alongside his full-time job as a community engagement officer at Ipswich Town Foundation.

How it works: Sessions take place in a soundproof room at Fortitude gym in Ipswich, allowing clients to exercise without the intimidation of a busy gym environment.

"For a lot of my clients, when they first stepped in the gym, a loudspeaker and powerlifters can be quite intimidating. So we have our own little space," Foster explained.

"My goal is to help them build confidence as well. It's not just about making them happy and they can progress in their exercises, can they go out in the gym and be independent."

The bigger picture: Foster believes his service fills a gap in Suffolk for specialist fitness provision, with clients travelling from across the county, including Ipswich, Martlesham and Sudbury.

"In terms of specific personal training, as far as I'm aware, I don't think so," he said when asked if others provide similar services in Suffolk.

"I really try to make these sessions accessible as possible. If anyone's interested, I do first session free, just come see me."

The bottom line: Foster wants to ensure exercise is accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.

"Every adult with a disability deserves, all child deserves to have exercise in their life," he said. "It's a hard place in general to find areas for them to do exercise. It's really important that everyone has the right to exercise."

Don't forget to check out Callum on Instagram (thisabilitycoach).

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