We were lucky to catch up with Colleen Schuster recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Colleen, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
Years ago, I cut out a horoscope reading for Taurus… not for me, but for my dad. It fit him to a tee, and I had to save it. It reads: “People will try to tell you who you are because it’s a quirk of human nature to incorrectly assume this kind of knowledge. But they don’t really know you. You are the hero of a story no one else has ever lived.”
Rewind to 2014, which was a challenging year for my family. My mom was diagnosed with melanoma in January and passed in December. My dad had been recently diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, an atypical Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder. He passed away in 2016. I believe I am where I am today due to my parents, a little Divine Intervention, a shared passion, and a desire to help others.
My parents taught my sisters and me how to care for others, how to stay connected, how to love, and how to listen. We watched and learned as they cared for our grandparents and for each other. My mom had many family traditions that kept us connected as our family unit grew, and our families continue them today. They supported our goals, listened to our trials and tribulations, and never wavered in their unconditional love for us and their grandchildren.
Fast forward to the fall of 2018: I read an article about boxing for Parkinson’s and found a class in the area taught by Amy Bertram, my now-business partner at NeuroFit Gym. Little did I know when I emailed her that she was one of the physical therapists who worked with my dad. She also remembered my mom from her rehab stay. We say it was Divine Intervention between my parents and her late husband, Joe, that brought us together.
As I started helping her teach the boxing classes, we discovered we had a shared passion for helping individuals with neurological disorders – Parkinson’s Disease, MS, ALS, spinal cord injury, stroke… any diagnosis that involves the brain and its ability to control action and movement. Amy said, “I would love to open a gym for people living with neuro impairments – a place where they could go for classes, a place for community and support.” I quickly agreed. As class attendance grew, Amy found a small place to rent and we added 10 boxing bags and a few bikes. Our passion and vision flourished. My husband, Andy, held his breath. He didn’t know what to think, except maybe that we were crazy. Our motto was “If we build it, they will come.” And our members found us! We now operate in a 5500 square foot space with 26 heavy boxing bags, 14 pieces of cardio equipment, parallel bars, a set of steps, 8 Concept 2 Rowergs, and a Biodex NxStep Unweighing System with a treadmill.
Our mission statement reads: Through exercise, education, community, and connection, NeuroFit’s mission is to provide a gym-like environment in a safe, welcoming space in which individuals with neurological issues can participate in exercise classes specific to their diagnosis and receive individualized attention to teach them how to adapt to their new life, reclaim their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Amy and I put the love of our careers as Doctors of Physical Therapy into action to change lives. Everyone has the ability to put their love into action and change someone’s life. It may not happen tomorrow, or 5 years from now, but if you have a vision and the desire to help others, you will find your way. You have the power to change someone’s day or life, sometimes without even knowing it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
NeuroFit Gym is a non profit 501(c)3 organization serving Ohioans living with neurological disorders, such as Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). Through exercise, education, community, and connection, NeuroFit provides a safe and welcoming environment where clients can participate in exercise classes specific to their diagnosis and receive individualized attention. NeuroFit also provides education services that help community members adapt to their diagnosis, reclaim their independence, and improve their quality of life.
For individuals with neurological conditions, regular cardiovascular exercise, balance, and strength training are essential to prevent heart and lung issues, reduce mobility decline, and minimize fall risk. Individuals with neurological conditions must engage in regular exercise to improve mobility and functionality, promote neuroplasticity, and enhance mood and mental health. Establishing an exercise routine may also improve cardiovascular fitness (lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote weight management), stimulate potential neuroprotective effects, and potentially slow the progression of certain neurological conditions or reduce the risk of developing others.
Often, individuals complete an inpatient physical therapy program but are discharged with only a home exercise schedule and no support system. Private insurance covers limited therapy visits per year, often with a high co-pay. NeuroFit is not limited by insurance restrictions because we are a private pay organization with prices often lower than an insurance co-pay. NeuroFit aims to improve physical and emotional outcomes for individuals with neurological conditions by focusing on the next phase of the health journey, especially for those with limited access to rehabilitative exercise. We collaborate with patients, caregivers, and physicians to deliver tailored programs that keep clients moving. At NeuroFit, each of our clients can expect to receive the individualized attention and expertise unavailable at a typical gym.
Our clients who attend classes and individual treatment sessions report:
1. Improved Motor Function: Exercise programs, particularly those involving aerobic and resistance training, help improve motor function and reduce symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
2. Enhanced Balance and Stability: Exercise programs that focus on balance training and specific movements contribute to better stability and reduced risk of falls.
3. Increased Flexibility: Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.
4. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in activities like boxing, cycling, or seated elliptical (NuStep) have positive effects on overall cardiovascular fitness.
5. Improved Mood and Mental Well-being: Regular exercise has been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can be particularly important for individuals with a ND, as mental health is an integral part of overall well-being.
6. Social Engagement: Group exercise programs and support groups provide social interaction and support, fostering a sense of community. This social aspect is important for mental and emotional well-being.
7. Potential Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that exercise might have neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing down the progression of some neurological disorders.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
We all know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It also takes a community to encourage a dream. NeuroFit isn’t just a building. It’s a community. A community made of people like you and me who have been dealt a life-changing neurological diagnosis. Unlike many orthopedic injuries which improve with surgery and therapy, a neurological diagnosis is a life-long diagnosis. No two people in our gym have the same difficulties or symptoms, even though they may have the same diagnosis. Sometimes there are ways for these individuals to overcome a difficulty, other times they must learn how to adapt to their new life. It’s a desire that connects us – the desire of our members to stay independent and our desire to help them. Their goals become our goals and passion. Seeing them succeed is the best gift we could ever receive. Helping others is a passion Amy and I share; it unites us and keeps us focused on the mission of the gym.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Our reputation is built on this shared passion. We recognized the barriers individuals with a neurological disorder, and their families, face in accessing interventions to keep them progressing. These barriers include financial constraints and a lack of available, affordable professional services in their communities. NeuroFit has gained rapid recognition for its exceptional physical therapy classes and individulaized physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services tailored to those living with neurological impairments. We currently have 3 Physical Therapists, 1 Occupational Therapist, 1 Speech Language Pathologist, and 2 Personal Trainers on staff. Endorsed by physicians and supported by the local medical community, our nonprofit organization has experienced steady growth in membership and visibility since its establishment. Local physicians refer clients to us, and foundations and kind donors support our nonprofit organization. We are grateful for our members and for those who support our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theneurofitgym.com
- Instagram: @theneurofitgym
- Facebook: @theneurofitgym
