Eric Chessen, our June 2020 Trainer of the Month, has been making a difference in the fitness industry for the last 17 years. Having had an opportunity to run fitness programs for teens with autism, he soon realized there was no playbook, no best practices guideline, no real precedent. Now, as founder of Autism Fitness, Eric is bringing training to a population that has been overlooked for decades.
Here is a look at how Eric is raising the bar…
Website: AutismFitness.com
Facebook: TheAutismFitness
Instagram: @TheAutismFitness
LinkedIn: Eric Chessen
What inspired you to start your business?
Having an opportunity to run fitness programs for teens with autism, I realized there was no playbook, no best practices guideline, no real precedent. Over time and through intensive academic and clinical training in applied behavior analysis (ABA) I recognized that there was a huge need for an interdisciplinary model based on best practices in fitness, coaching and behavior support.
What is one hard lesson you've learned in business you believe has been the most valuable?
Grand ideas can be shared, and people aren't necessarily acting maliciously, but may not be able to deliver on what was promised. A business transaction isn't done until the check clears.
If I asked one of your clients why they choose you over other places/gyms/trainers, what would they likely say?
Eric gets it. He understands the needs of this population and is always patient, respectful and professional.
Name one or two ways you are trying to raise the bar in the industry?
Setting a high standard of practice for delivering fitness programs to the ASD population via the Autism Fitness Certification. Bringing disciplines together in the mission to make fitness more accessible and understood through the PAC Profile Method.
