Christine and Aubrey from F45 Training Downtown Boise leading our athletes through their warm-up before the workout.

Special Olympics Idaho is excited to share the successful launch and impact of Train 4 Life™, a 12-week health and fitness program created in partnership with F45 Training Downtown Boise and CDA Fitness 1 on 1. Originally developed by Special Olympics Tennessee, Train 4 Life™ is now thriving in Idaho — and expanding.

What is Train 4 Life™?

Train 4 Life™ is designed for teens and adults ages 13+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program focuses on fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Each week, participants take part in:

One in-person group workout
Two guided at-home workouts
A virtual nutrition and mental wellness session

Athletes also complete pre- and post-assessments to help them set health goals and measure progress — an essential part of building lifelong habits.

Craig Feistner, Founder of CDA Fitness 1:1, helping an athlete through his assessment.

A Mission Rooted in Inclusive Health

“Special Olympics Idaho is more than just sports,” shared Lexi Ahrens, Health Initiatives Coordinator for Special Olympics Idaho. “We are deeply committed to the overall health and well-being of our athletes. From health screenings and nutrition education to connecting athletes with follow-up care, our mission is to reduce the health disparities faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Train 4 Life™ is another step forward in building long, healthy lives for athletes.”

Athlete Voices: What Train 4 Life™ Means

For participants, Train 4 Life™ is more than a workout — it’s connection, confidence, and growth.

Special Olympics Idaho Athlete Leader in Health, Alexis Schimmelpfennig, shared:

“What I like about Train 4 Life is it gets me moving and gets me out of the house and gets me to exercise in a different gym that I have never been to before. I also am learning different breathing exercises and doing exercises at my house. I also like meeting other athletes from other programs online!”

The Impact: Results From Our First 12-Week Cycle

The first Train 4 Life™ cohort in Boise produced major results — not only in strength and endurance, but in motivation, consistency, and overall well-being.

Physical Outcomes | F45

Two athletes lost 10 pounds
One athlete lost 20 pounds
Many progressed from walking with the sled push to running with the sled push
Several athletes advanced from wall push-ups to strict push-ups
All athletes showed improved confidence in a gym setting

Community Partnership: ICOM Sports Med Club

A major strength of Train 4 Life™ comes from the community members who show up every week to support our athletes. One standout partnership is with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) Sports Medicine Club.

Each week, 10 ICOM students volunteer at our Boise location to help run Train 4 Life™ sessions. These students assist with warm-ups, encourage athletes during workouts, provide form and movement support, and help create a positive, inclusive training environment. Their energy and consistency have become an important part of the program.

This partnership not only enhances the athlete experience, but also gives future medical professionals hands-on experience working with individuals with IDD. The ICOM students learn about inclusive fitness, communication, and adaptive coaching—skills they will carry into their careers in health care.

The athletes love seeing the ICOM students each week, and the students regularly share how much they learn from the athletes in return. Together, this collaboration shows the power of community, connection, and inclusive health in action.

How to Support

Train 4 Life™ takes place weekly at F45 Training Downtown Boise and CDA Fitness 1:1. To help sustain this impactful program and others like it, visit specialolympicsidaho.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more. You can also email health@idso.org if you have any questions!