Meet Kimberly, a 33-year-old athlete who is relatively new to the Special Olympics world and was searching for a safe, effective way to lose weight. When her mom, Sharyn, first came across the Train 4 Life program on Facebook, she knew it would be the perfect fit.  

"They all accepted her and made her very comfortable, otherwise she wouldn’t have stayed," said Sharyn. “She goes there and it’s not like a typical gym experience, it’s not crowded with people. It’s a lot nicer being with her own peers through Special Olympics—it just wouldn’t be the same at all if she went to a gym and just tried working out.”

Kim has made impressive progress, shedding eight pounds in just two months of training. She’s fully committed to her fitness journey, and her excitement about the program is evident.  

“I’ve noticed that she really wants to do it and really enjoys doing it,” said Sharyn. “She’ll tell me, ‘It’s time for my exercise now’ and start doing it, which we’re thrilled with.”

Train 4 Life is designed to support athletes aged 18 and older in achieving their full potential, both on and off the field. This program offers a holistic approach to wellness, combining fitness, nutrition, and mental health support to help athletes build sustainable, healthy habits.  

"Combining a functional fitness program with mental/physical well-being was something we knew our athletes would be excited to take part in,” said Patti Doherty, VP of Schools and Community Development.

The Train 4 Life program stands out for its well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes three pillars of health:

• Fitness: Participants will engage in once-a-week group workouts tailored to their abilities and goals. These sessions not only enhance physical strength and endurance but also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among athletes.

• Nutrition: Each week, athletes will receive valuable education on healthy eating habits. From understanding portion control to exploring nutrient-dense meal options, participants will gain practical knowledge to fuel their bodies for optimal performance and everyday life.

• Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, Train 4 Life integrates strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and cultivate a positive mindset. This focus ensures athletes are equipped to tackle challenges with confidence and determination.

A hallmark of the Train 4 Life program is its emphasis on measurable outcomes. Athletes undergo pre- and post-program biometric and fitness testing, providing key insights into their progress. These assessments not only track improvements in physical health but also serve as a motivational tool, showcasing the hard work and dedication each athlete brings to the program.

“This program is the ‘whole enchilada,’” Patti said. “With pre- and post-assessments, it’s holding athletes accountable and giving them goals to work toward. It helps them take ownership of their mental health and well-being.”

For Kim, the program has already made a significant impact. She practices the exercises daily and was thrilled to receive her own pink hand weights for Christmas. “She checks off the exercises every day,” Sharyn shared. “It changes every week and gets harder, but she does it every day at home.”

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Train 4 Life is the sense of community it creates. Weekly group workouts allow athletes to connect, share experiences, and support one another on their wellness journeys.  

“Everybody cheers each other on,” said Sharyn. “They’re always cheering each other on, which makes them feel good.”

This sense of belonging is invaluable—and for Kim, she has a whole new group of friends she wouldn’t otherwise have connected with.

“With my new friends we talk about different movies,” said Kim. And when it comes to the Train 4 Life program, she summed it up by explaining, “It’s fun and I make friends!”

Inclusive health content is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan, the Official Health Insurance Partner of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan and Special Olympics Massachusetts are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through resources that support individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Tufts Health One Care, a health plan for those with disabilities who have Medicare and Medicaid, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/SOMA