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NextStep Fitness

Here's what's in this section:

Adjusting to the changes and loss of movement and control after a spinal cord injury is challenging, but it's not impossible. This section is designed to help you kickstart your journey towards discovering the possibilities of an active lifestyle and the resources available to achieve your goals.

Almost any activity can be adapted to your level of injury, lifestyle, and interests. For sports enthusiasts, there are established groups offering adaptive options such as soccer, baseball, sailing, scuba diving, golf, hockey, skiing, dance, as well as fitness and weightlifting programs. Resources for involvement in Paralympic Sport Clubs are also included.

For those with a passion for the arts, you can explore adaptive painting, drawing, photography, and music programs. Various forms of adaptive equipment enable participation in crafts, hobbies, and games.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find organizations catering to adaptive camps, fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, boat racing, whitewater rafting, and other adventure activities. 

Accessible travel options for domestic and international vacations are also available, with resources and travel tips for seamless transportation by railroad, airplane, bus, accessible van, and car. 

Video gamers can explore accessible technology and equipment, including computer accessibility features, adaptive screen readers, voice recognition programs, adaptive joysticks, computer tables, and other adaptations.

Peer support groups and programs offer valuable tips for re-entering and rediscovering recreational activities that bring joy, nurture relationships, and build friendships. Explore this section to discover ways to enhance your physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.

NextStep Fitness

After a spinal cord injury, NextStep Fitness founder, Janne Kouri, was unable to find a fitness center for people with physical disabilities after rehabilitation.  So, with the help of his family, and Dr. Susie Harkema—a neuroscientist who helped create Locomotor Training and Activity Based Therapy— Janne and his wife started NextStep Fitness. Like Janne himself, NextStep Fitness strives to help its clients stay strong, stay fit and stay healthy.

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