Caldwell Trainer Serves Special Needs Clients At Verona Gym

CALDWELLS, NJ — Each week, Caldwell resident Yomi Karade trains about 20 clients with disabilities at Platinum Fitness in Verona. Now, Karade has earned a $4,199 grant that will help to keep individualized fitness programs running at the busy Essex County gym.

The grant – awarded by Autism Speaks – will give a big boost to the Individualized Fitness Programs (IFP) initiative, which Karade first launched in June of 2018.

“I applied for a grant from Autism Speaks back in September,” Karade said. “Then in December, I received an email stating that we were awarded the grant. I couldn’t believe it. I am so thankful and grateful. To be recognized by Autism Speaks -a rich organization dedicated to research and treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other conditions- is a wonderful achievement and accomplishment for I.F.P. and Platinum Fitness.”

Karade, a personal trainer and registered behavior technician, first began her work with the special needs community at the age of 13 in her native country of England. She said that she launched the IFP initiative after noticing that many people with special needs weren’t being given a full opportunity to exercise, as opposed to their peers.

• See related article: Renovation At Essex County Park Will Include ADA-Compliant Playground

With the aid of the grant money, Karade said she will be able to spearhead the following programs:

• 10-week group sessions with students from New Beginning School, The Gramon School and NB4T in Fairfield
• 1:1 personal training sessions for individuals
• Three “health and wellness dance parties” (a free event for individuals, and, their families and friends. Includes MC/DJ, dance instructor and refreshments)

Monica Cohn, whose 21-year-old son Jordan is in the program, said that the program is a “godsend.”

“Jordan has not only become more physically fit, improving his posture and his endurance, but he also has greatly overcome motor planning challenges, thus increasing self-esteem and confidence,” Cohn said.

“My son, Brian, has been training with Yomi for eight months, and I couldn’t be happier with the results,” said his father, Shawn Dennis. “Brian works out twice a week in a program that Yomi designed specifically for him. His posture has improved, his strength has increased, and, best of all, he smiles throughout each session.”

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