Special Strong inclusive gym services now available in several Western suburbs
Special Strong, a specialty fitness provider for people with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, had a grand opening celebration Saturday in Elmhurst for its new franchise serving the Western suburbs.
The inclusive gym’s Western suburbs franchise — operating out of various gyms such as the Jordan’s Athletic Center, 111 Adell Place, Room A, in Elmhurst — is owned and run by Mike Bevan of River Forest. After a 30-year career in corporate marketing, Bevan was inspired to join the fitness business because of his son, Mikey, a 17-year-old who is intellectually disabled.
“Fitness has always been a passion of mine, but it took on deeper meaning when I started thinking about the future for my son, Mikey, who is 17 and intellectually disabled and autistic,” Bevan said. “Special Strong is providing an opportunity to build a business that not only supports my family but also creates a space where the adaptive community can feel empowered, included, and part of something bigger.”
Special Strong was founded in 2016 by Daniel Stein, who began specializing in health and fitness for people with special needs after being diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder, and autoimmune disease. The chain provides adaptive and inclusive fitness programs to people all over the world with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and more.
“When I began franchising in 2020, I was inspired to not only help Special Strong’s clients, but also leaders who share a passion for empowering special needs individuals through fitness,” said Stein, CEO of Special Strong. “Mike has a strong sense of purpose, and inspires the individuals he works with to be their strongest and best versions of themselves. We’re excited for this location to open.”
Special Strong’s services are offered out of existing gyms in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Oak Brook, Villa Park, Westmont, Willowbrook and several other Western suburbs.
To learn more about Special Strong Western Chicagoland, visit specialstrongwesternchicagoland.com.