Kaizen, a Japanese phrase, translates to, “change for better.” That is the goal for Emily Throckmorton, founder of Kaizen Athletics. At this gym, Throckmorton and her team are prioritizing functional fitness for adaptive athletes, meaning people – particularly veterans – who want to stay fit despite their physical limitations.
Kaizen Athletics offers open gym time, group classes and private training for members.
Throckmorton told 13 News Now that she was inspired to open Kaizen Athletics after working out with a group of Wounded Warriors. These veterans were doing dead lifts and box jumps, all while wearing their prosthetics. Throckmorton then realized that after physical therapy ended for injured veterans, there wasn’t much out there for them to continue their health and fitness journey.
“We’re giving these athletes a chance to regain their independence, the strength and their mobility,” said Throckmorton.
From athletes with spinal cord injuries, to those who have amputations or have suffered strokes, there is a wide variety of accommodations at Kaizen Athletics so everyone can participate.
Classes and training are 100% free for these veterans and other first responders who need adaptive training. Throckmorton hopes to make fitness training accessible for everyone. Weekdays from 4:30-5:30 is the designated class time for Kaizen’s Adaptive Training program. The gym runs a donation program, so community members and other gym-goers who want to support their work with veterans can donate to the cause. Keeping fitness accessible for veterans is another priority for Throckmorton.
Recently, community businesses and 13 News Now have partnered together to support organizations who are doing more for the military community, including Kaizen Athletics. During their interview, Throckmorton gratefully accepted monetary donations so her programs can remain free and open for local veterans.
“Anyone in the adaptive community that has been told they can’t do something, we are here to show them: ‘Yes they can!’,” said Throckmorton.
