Trainer with Autism Helps Others with Autism to Find their Stride

Mark Fleming (right) wears a face-mask while training his client Reid (left) at Equally Fit. Photo from Equally Fit’s Facebook page.

Up until the age 8, Mark Fleming says he fell down almost daily. He had difficulty coordinating his movements and struggled with maintaining his balance.

Why? He nor his family knew, not until they relocated to Florida where Fleming was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at 11 years old.

He’s come a long way since then. He’s now a certified personal trainer who owns the Equally Fit studio that caters to people with disabilities in Tampa, Florida.

Fleming said in a phone interview that he was motivated to begin Equally Fit after seeing how common it is for people with disabilities to have a sedentary lifestyle.

“I had sports. A lot of these individuals don’t like sports, they don’t like competition,” Fleming said. “So I decided this was the best way to go about it.”

Fleming has extensive knowledge on fitness. He received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2012 and a master’s in human performance in 2017, both from the University of Alabama.

He’s also certified in youth fitness, group fitness, functional training, and weight management.

In 2016, he began his fitness program for individuals with autism called Puzzle Piece Fitness. Last year, he rebranded to Equally Fit to be inclusive of all disabilities.

Fleming said that he wants the autism and disability community to practice fitness because it’s as important as any other life skill.

“Being physically fit plays a bigger role in everything,” Fleming said. “We need to be physically fit to hold a job, to be independent, to do the things we truly want to do.”

In addition to teaching job and education attainment, Fleming hopes to see physical health play an equally important role for people with disabilities because of its physical and mental benefits.

“It also helps with moods, stress, and everything that life encompasses that individuals with disabilities tend to deal with at a greater rate, including in neurotypical populations,” Fleming said. “It’s one of the best benefits you can have.”

Equally Fit is open by appointment only in Tampa, Florida. For those who prefer to workout at home, Equally Fit has virtual training sessions and guided exercise videos on their Facebook page. To schedule a consultation or training session, click here.