From Gym Class to Game Changer: How Adaptive Fitness Empowers Young Adults with Disabilities with Mike Lutey, Franchise Owner – Special Strong Houston

Part 1 of 2 

This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Mike Lutey, franchise owner of Special Strong Southeast & Northwest Houston, to talk about the power of adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities—and how the right workout can change everything.

Mike shares his personal journey, inspired by his sister with Down syndrome and his mom’s advocacy work in Montana, to becoming the very first Special Strong franchisee. What started as a LinkedIn message became a mission to serve others through fitness, inclusion, and community-building.

From one-on-one personal training to group classes that build social confidence and structure, Special Strong is filling the gap that so many parents face after graduation: What’s next?

💪 Whether your child has autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges, Special Strong is meeting individuals where they are—and building strength from the inside out.

Special Strong offers adaptive and inclusive fitness training for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive disabilities. They specialize in post-therapy fitness, group classes, and customized coaching for those with autism, Down syndrome, CP, traumatic brain injury, and more. With franchise locations growing nationwide, they’re on a mission to make fitness accessible to everyone.

📍 Locations:
– Southeast Houston (League City, Friendswood, etc.)
– North/Northwest Houston (Spring, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress)

🔗 Learn more: https://www.specialstrong.com

✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨

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