Push to Walk
What is Push to Walk and what do they offer?
Push to Walk is an adaptive neuro gym catering to the mobility-impaired community!
Push to Walk provides personalized one-on-one sessions with experienced exercise trainers. Tailored to each client’s needs, the workouts incorporate cutting-edge neurotechnology including robotic exoskeletons, virtual reality (VR), and functional electrical stimulation (FES), among many others. In addition to individual sessions, clients can now enjoy group fitness classes adaptable to seated and standing positions.
An Open Gym is launching soon, offering clients access to specialized equipment for independent workouts under the supervision of trained aides. It’s a step towards empowerment and autonomy in a client’s fitness journey, enabling access to all who need it!
How did Push to Walk come to be?
The start of Push to Walk traces back to Darren Templeton’s journey. Darren sustained a C5 spinal cord injury in July 2004 at age 18 after diving into shallow water. Completing conventional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, Darren sought avenues to further enhance his abilities. Inspired by his experiences with personal training and intensive exercise programs in Carlsbad, CA, Darren envisioned a similar initiative closer to home.
In collaboration with his mother, Cynthia Templeton, Push to Walk was established as a nonprofit organization. In January 2007, they opened their doors to the first three clients in their 1,000 square-foot gym in Bloomingdale, NJ. Since then, fueled by a dedicated team of specialized trainers and a passionate administrative staff, Push to Walk has remained steadfast in its mission to provide the necessary services and supportive environment for individuals with neurological conditions to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Push to Walk has expanded into larger locations three times and has helped over 300 clients!
Why would someone choose to come to Push to Walk?
Push to Walk excels as a unique pioneer, dedicated to providing adaptive exercises tailored specifically to clients with neurological conditions who are motivated to improve their function.
• One-on-one customized workouts tailored to their client
• Workouts are done completely out of the wheelchair
• Longer workouts that focus on the client and client goals
• An upbeat, inspiring, and motivating environment
• Camaraderie among clients
• Specialized in every type of neurological disorder
• Creative trainers adapting any exercise to meet the client’s needs.
What makes Push to Walk unique?
At Push to Walk, specific training methods are used to help clients regain strength, function, and independence. The hardworking staff promotes confidence and inner strength in each client. Due to their commitment to a consistent exercise program, clients have experienced success in professional careers, adaptive sports, and other interests. Push to Walk offers social activities where individuals and families can share experiences, information, and resources. As a result, friendships are formed, and camaraderie is established.
What are Push to Walk’s standards?
From its inception, Push to Walk has emerged as a premier destination for individuals with neurological conditions seeking to rebuild strength, function, and independence. Push to Walk has grown steadily and is currently housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Montvale, New Jersey, embodying accessibility, warmth, and empowerment.
Push to Walk proudly distinguishes itself as the foremost provider of specialized programs across the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania regions. The dedicated program staff meet rigorous educational and professional standards, continuously honing their skills to help clients achieve their personal milestones. Supported by administrative personnel adept in grant writing, fundraising, operations, and client coordination, the entire team is committed to advancing the mission of Push to Walk.
What does a typical session look like?
Every session is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. The qualified staff, overseen by a physical therapist, conduct thorough assessments to evaluate individual abilities, strengths, and goals. Exercise programs are crafted and enhanced to ensure ongoing challenges and progress.
The personalized approach strives to empower individuals to take greater control over their everyday tasks.
A typical workout can include some variation of the following:
• Stretching – lower body and upper body
• Seating balance and endurance
• Upper body and core workouts with vibration on a specialized tilt table
• Squats on the total gym
• Standing endurance and balance
• Hand cycling indoors and outdoors
• Gait training with multiple adaptive walking devices
• Robotic devices
• FES stimulation bikes
Check out our site for much more! www.pushtowalknj.org
What diagnoses does Push to Walk work with?
Push to Walk specializes in a wide spectrum of neurological conditions, including but not limited to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Following inpatient and outpatient therapy, individuals turn to Push to Walk to continue an exercise program that nurtures their physical and mental health!
Empowering Abilities: The Role of Push to Walk for Individuals with Physical Challenges
Research has shown that to stay well, a certain amount of daily exercise is necessary. At the very least, everyone should walk briskly each day. But what happens to the thousands of people who cannot perform these activities without assistance? Having any type of physical disability poses multiple challenges: Insurance doesn’t cover “maintenance” for people with chronic conditions, typical gyms do not cater to this community, and exercise is necessary to prevent a plethora of secondary impairments that stem from lack of mobility. This is why Push to Walk was created. PTW is a specialized facility for people with any type of neurological physical challenge. This unique neuro gym is an invaluable sanctuary where individuals with diverse neurological conditions can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. They offer tailored programs, adaptive equipment, advanced technology and compassionate support, empowering their members to surpass perceived limitations and embrace their potential.
At the heart of Push to Walk lies a commitment to individualized care. Understanding that each person’s journey is unique, they employ trained professionals who specialize in neurological exercise. Whether it’s spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Friedreich’s ataxia, or traumatic brain injury, their trainers craft personalized fitness regimens that address specific needs and goals. Through targeted exercises and therapies, they aim to enhance mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
What sets PTW apart is their emphasis on adaptive equipment and accessible space. The 12,000 square foot facility houses equipment such as specialized walkers, harnessed treadmills, robotic exoskeletons, rowing machines, vibrating tilt tables, stim bikes and all types of fitness machines. From wheelchair-friendly exercise machines to a walking path with a ceiling track for a supportive harness, every aspect is designed to accommodate diverse abilities. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, allowing clients to engage in physical activities with confidence.
Beyond physical benefits, PTW offers a supportive community where individuals can connect, share experiences, and inspire one another. By nurturing self-esteem and resilience, they help members navigate life’s complexities with newfound confidence and optimism.
Push to Walk enables individuals to surpass perceived boundaries and embrace their full potential. Moreover, they play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and promoting wellness. The trainers take an active role in helping each client reach their potential, with the goal of empowering mobility one workout at a time.
Why is technology important for a neurological gym?
Technology has its pros and cons in today’s world, but the integration of technology, including exoskeletons and virtual reality (VR), has a powerful impact for individuals with disabilities. Push to Walk understands the importance of improving health and quality of life for the clients, and this neuro gym is quickly becoming a hub of innovative technologies for their specialized population.
Exoskeletons represent a groundbreaking advancement in mobility assistance, offering individuals with physical impairments the opportunity to stand and walk. PTW’s clients can currently use the Ekso and Indego exoskeletons, allowing people who have no use of their muscles at all, to those who need some aid, to walk up and down the walking path. These wearable robotic devices provide powered assistance to the user’s limbs, augmenting their strength and range of motion. Exoskeletons can help individuals relearn motor skills, improve balance, and offer the potential for long-term health benefits by reducing the risk of secondary complications associated with prolonged immobility, such as pressure sores and muscle atrophy.
Push to Walk also offers virtual reality experiences to their clients. VR offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to explore virtual environments and engage in therapeutic activities. Through immersive simulations and interactive experiences, VR can facilitate rehabilitation and pain management for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. This is only the beginning of PTW’s technological journey. Companies with specialized devices are seeking Push to Walk as a home for their technology, opening the door to more mobility and independence for the clients who need it.
PTW recognizes that while technology holds immense promise, its implementation must prioritize safety, accessibility, affordability, and user-centered design. Evaluations are free of charge and scholarships are offered where possible. Donations are always welcomed by those who want to give the gift of mobility.
