Testimonials

Dear friends, 

My name is Angela Couret and I have a 37-year-old son with intellectual disabilities, Alberto. Although our extended family has deep roots in Gainesville (my father and mother in law moved here from Cuba in the mid-sixties), our nuclear family lived in Venezuela for over 40 years, resettling here in 2020. 

Having an adult son with intellectual disabilities who is also mostly Spanish speaking has made it challenging to find activities to occupy his day and have an impact on his well being. Through the parent network, we heard of a wonderful, inclusive training option through the FIT for ALL program at Gainesville Health & Fitness. 

Alberto joined almost a year ago and it has been a wonderful experience! The one-on-one instruction and the program's structure allow the participants to carry out fitness activities in a very fun and pleasant manner. Plus, the volunteers that serve as coaches have been very kind and accommodating. It's a wonderful program and we have recommended it to other families in our network. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping Alberto get in shape! You should hear him talk about going to the gym with friends and family! 

Best, 

Alberto and Angela Couret 

“I am the parent of a child with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Friedreich's Ataxia. Prior to the FIT for ALL program my son was anxious about going to the gym or starting an exercise routine because he was uncertain of his abilities. Despite the advice of his doctors to "stay fit" by routinely moving, stretching, and performing exercise he was afraid. What if he fell? What if he used the machines incorrectly? what if others stared at him because he was having a hard time? The FIT for ALL program gave my son confidence and reassurance that despite his limitations he could exercise and work out just like everybody else. It was okay if he didn't do it perfectly, it was okay if he needed help! The staff and volunteers were AMAZING! He has completed the program cycle twice and now he goes to the gym on his own! His confidence and self-esteem have grown and my son is healthier and will likely stay mobile longer because of this program. I cannot say enough good things about FIT for ALL and its staff and volunteers. It has positively impacted our family as well as the Gainesville community as a whole. This should be offered at every gym! It creates a community of inclusion and accessibility for a very underserved population.”

“My mother told me I would never be able to walk again. I told her I was going to show her wrong after I start exercising! Now I’ve been working out with FIT for ALL for 16 months and I can walk across the room and back (over 40 yards) all by myself!”.

It was 2017 when I was trying to find my first job and a opportunity in FIT for ALL had opened. I had been a reoccurring athlete within the organization at the time when Noah was looking to hire an athlete within the program. I loved the structure of the classes and was excited to add my ideas into the program. I look forward to class everyday because I get to see my classmates and friends from other areas of Gainesville while also having a positive impact on their health. 

In my last year at the University of Florida I  was contacted about a volunteer opportunity here at FIT for ALL and was told through peers how rewarding the experience would be.  Throughout my time as a volunteer here I had build strong relationship with each athlete and was inspired to be a positive impact on their health and their daily lives. I fell in love with the mission of FIT for ALL and wanted to help grow this organization in every way I could help. I was fortunate enough to be accepted as an intern the following semester and made it my mission to leave the biggest impact I could for the athletes' benefit. I highly recommend and urge people to take part within this organization whether it is through spreading the word, donating, or participating as a volunteer. In the years to come, I hope to see FIT for ALL move into other states and eventually across the globe.