An interesting statement some years ago from the CEO of the Special Olympics pretty much sums up the reason why we started Inclusively Fit – the Special Needs community is underserved and overlooked when it comes to exercise and fitness.
“As a society, we have to do a much better job of building community for people who have some challenges but still have the capacity to be healthy. We have an epidemic of low expectations and social isolation and the resulting health and emotional problems that ensue from that. Balance is about finding a sense of self-worth and social engagement so that you can feel good about yourself and valued by others. Everybody will have a different pathway to achieving that sense of balance. This is not just about our bodies. It’s about our values.”
-Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO, Special Olympics
The Special Olympics is a great start but a very limited start since only a fraction of the Special Need community actually participates in Special Olympics. Hence, this community is in dire need of Inclusively Fit and its special needs gym.
Stephen Corbin, D.D.S., M.P.H. Senior Vice President, Constituent Services and Support Special Olympics, wrote years ago,
“We feel that the healthy weight issue for people with disabilities is every bit as serious as it is in the general population. There’s an epidemic, an endemic of unhealthy weight in this population.”
Dr. Corbin’s comment is supported by research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which estimates that health care costs of obesity related to disability reach more than $50 billion each year.
If ever there was a need for a disability-friendly gym and fitness center, the time is now. Inclusively Fit is that gym, with its focus on supporting the Special Needs community. The trainers at Inclusively Fit develop one-on-one training regimens tailored to the specific individual and their abilities. The only way to combat obesity, a common challenge to members of this community, is by adopting and committing to a frequent exercise program. The individual and social costs of not doing anything are too great.
Inclusively Fit is a 5,000 square-foot gym that really focuses on the physical AND psychological benefits of fitness.
The Macomb County gym welcomes families of all abilities with all kinds of needs . It’s run by Mark Ralko, who used to work at a school. He said that parents of special needs kids would often ask him to help their kids become part of the sports teams. He told Fox 2 that first, it was just a few kids, then it became five, then ten…and he realized there was a need for this program.
Seven years later, he opened his own gym. And it’s helped people like Danny, who has cerebral palsy and struggled just to walk through the door. Now, a little over a year later, he’s RUNNING!
Inclusively Fit has clients from the ages of 4 to 55. Not gonna lie, we’d LOVE to take our son, who’s high functioning on the autism spectrum, to this gym!
Read More: Sterling Heights Gym Helps Kids, Adults With Special Needs | https://wcrz.com/sterling-heights-gym-helps-kids-adults-with-special-needs-the-good-news/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Inclusively Fit is located in Sterling Heights and the gym is 5,000 square feet. We wanted to show our viewers a virtual look at what this gym has to offer you.
Our first picture are the treadmills along the right-side wall of the gym. We use these mainly for cardio sessions and the trainers work with each client to monitor their cardio.
Next we have our obstacle course that is used mainly for developing balance and dexterity.
We also have fun as well with a basketball net setup to improve hand eye coordination and total body movement.
Some resistance training also takes place in the gym through ropes and bands and those are used to make sure that everyone develops muscular dexterity.
If you have an interest in touring the gym in person and learning more about Inclusively Fit, please call us at (586) 850-5004.
The motto is located all over when walking into the gym: “IF you are here, you succeed”. Regardless of what condition or concerns you have, the personal training staff as well as the owner, Mark will find ways to make sure that they can help you to achieve any goal you want to. The plans that are created are tailored towards your goals and comfort. Having trust with your trainer and being able to push yourself is all you need to grow and gain progress. We will take care of the rest.
We have helped clients with a variety of physical and cognitive ailments such as:
Even if you think we can’t help, I encourage you to call and talk with Mark to schedule a tour of the facility. Being able to see the gym in person will seal the deal for you and make a world of difference in your thoughts about fitness and the “limitations”. IF you want to learn more, please call us at 586-850-5004. We also recommend that you like our Facebook page as well as Instagram page @inclusively_fit.
At Inclusively Fit, we make sure that everyone who comes into our gym comes out with a happier day, a better experience and a higher self-esteem. The work might be physical and be hard sometimes, but the benefits are worth it. Our experienced training staff specifically tailors programs towards your immediate fitness goals. We encourage a general routine of exercise and health, with a focus on fun and progress.
It is awesome when we see our clients achieve new milestones and grow to become stronger and happier individuals because they came to Inclusively Fit. We often see immediate improvements from the very first visit! The beauty of it all is that all you have to do is show up and you’ll succeed! The stories we hear through our clients and their families only inspire us to do more and provide the very best service we can for clients. IF you want to learn more, please call us at 586-850-5004.
Exercise is not a bad thing, contrary to what you may hear. Not only does your body feels great and you become healthier, but there are mental benefits that are gained from a regular exercise routine. Often, special needs people are discouraged from performing exercise for fear of injury or a mental barrier, but it is foolish to prevent others from achieving their fitness goals. Denying those of special needs from opportunities limits them from reaching their physical and mental potentials.
Some benefits that come with exercise are very basic and common sense, but often there are other major changes that occur through proper fitness regimens. These include:
With all things considered, going through the trials and tribulations of an exercise program are proven to be extremely beneficial and it is vitally important towards living a happier and healthier life.
“We see success in their self confidence, self esteem, socially, physcially; so we see a transformation,” says Mark Ralco his clients.
Before he opened Inclusively Fit, he worked in a school district where parents would ask him to help their special needs kids become a part of the sports team.
“So, they asked me to work out with their child and when that happened, it started out as one, then five, then 10 – and I knew there was a niche and there was a need for this program,” he says.
Seven years later that program led him to opening his own gym and adaptive fitness program for kids with special needs. His clients range from 4 to 55 years old. Some, like Riley, come from all over southeast Michigan just to see him.
“One year ago, it was hard to get Riley to even come inside the gym. I’d have to go into the parking lot, say, ‘Riley, it’s time to work out,'” Ralco says. “He wouldn’t leave his car. He would just kick, scream and holler and didn’t want any part of coming here.”
Everyone can see Riley’s progress now, though.
“Just being proud of himself, he has more confidence. He feels good and he’s happy. This made all the difference in the world for him,” says Suzanne O’Leary, Riley’s mom.
“Any disability, anybody can come in. Doesn’t matter if you’re able bodies or not able bodied, it’s geared toward the person who needs the help,” says athlete Christina Rossi.
She means it – and Mark does, too.
“I’m always learning. I want to grow as an individual more. I’m constantly learning about this profession and I just hope I can impact every single life that comes through these doors,” he says.
Marks clients can be diagnosed with cognitive impairments, down syndrome, autism; can be emotionally imparied, hearing imparied or physically imparied. If you’d like to learn more go to www.inclusivelyfit.org.
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Inclusively Fit is a 5,000 square foot gym that focuses on the physical, the social and the psychological benefits of fitness.
If you’re a family member, teacher or friend or someone with special needs, and struggled to find fitness programs or facilities that meet the specific needs of your child, you’re not alone. Inclusively Fit was founded upon a very simple realization … many children, as well as adults with special needs, can greatly benefit from a personal exercise and fitness program. We’ve asked ourselves, “What if?” Our answer is Inclusively Fit. A place that believes fitness is a journey best traveled with friends. ©2025 Inclusively Fit. All rights reserved. Just took a field trip here and Mr. Mark was so wonderful to my students and staff. Great experienceThe staff and the owner mark of inclusive fit are truly amazing my daughter has been going here a little bit over a year now and having that experience that she has a safe environment to work out and her own personal trainer is literally life changing not only dose she get to exercise but the social aspect of it. If you haven’t been here yet you should definitely check it out I highly recommend this placeThis gym was a wonderful experience for our large autism camp. The instructors met the needs of many of the first time gym goers. They made it a fun learning experience for all. We will be back again next summer!Inclusively Fit has made such a difference in my brother’s life (and our whole family’s) after just a few visits. The fact that a program exists like this is incredible. It is clean, expansive, and provides such specific care to your loved one. If you’re even slightly considering giving it a shot- just do it! You won’t regret it.Our son started working out at this gym in January and it’s been so good for him in so many ways. Physically, socially, mentally, emotionally… Mark is the absolute best and has a great team of trainers. Cannot say enough about Mark and his mission and the great and important work being done here. Detroit is very fortunate – every community needs an Inclusively Fit gym.The physical trainer Mark, is phenomenal with his clients. This gym is perfect for multiple ability needs.I love the community support I experience at OTF. I also feel the comradely of others yet I feel like I have a personal trainer. The coaches are the best, they really seem to care about all of the members.Love the food. Don’t like the automatic 3% tagged on to your bill when paying with a credit card though.Best gym I have ever been to. Would definitely recommend this place if you’re a serious fitness person or if your just getting started. Great staff as well!Love this place!! They do a great job of working with my son on his strength and muscle tone, as well as with his adhd and chatty personality. 
Introducing Inclusively Fit, a place and approach to fitness and exercise as unique as the individuals it was created to serve. An organization where everyone understands a person’s physical well-being is strongly connected to their emotional well-being. And that physical accomplishment doesn’t just build stronger muscles, but a stronger sense of self.INCLUSIVELY FIT GYM
