For many families raising children or caring for adults with special needs, staying physically active is not always easy. Crowded gyms, unfamiliar surroundings, and sensory challenges can make traditional fitness programs difficult. Justin Smith, franchise owner of GYMGUYZ, believes everyone deserves access to exercise—regardless of age or ability.
“We work with every population, and we believe every person needs to move and get exercise,” Smith said. “No matter what your situation is, you should be moving, and we help you make it work.”
Smith has worked in the fitness industry for more than 15 years. He started as a personal trainer before becoming a master trainer and later a fitness manager. Although he enjoyed helping clients, he found the corporate fitness world focused too much on numbers instead of people.
“It wasn’t putting the attention on the members, the clients, and the results they should be getting,” he said.
Instead of opening a traditional gym, Smith launched his GYMGUYZ franchise in September 2019, bringing certified trainers and equipment directly to clients’ homes, offices, or other locations. The decision proved timely, opening just months before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“What enticed me was the reach and how many more people I could help,” he said. “The relationships you build with clients and their families are much stronger. To me, that relationship is everything.”
Today, his team serves clients across Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey, as well as Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties in New York.
More than physical fitness
Every client begins with a detailed consultation that reviews health history, nutrition, medications, sleep patterns, lifestyle habits, and a movement assessment. Trainers then design an individualized exercise program based on the person’s goals and abilities.
“It’s just catered to wherever they are in their fitness journey right now and how to safely progress them,” Smith explained. “Every client’s different.”
For individuals with special needs, Smith says the benefits extend well beyond strength and mobility.
“It can help with communication skills, self-esteem, life skills, creating healthy habits, and understanding why they should exercise,” he said. “Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in the brain, so it can help regulate mood and stress.”
Parents often tell him they notice changes outside of workout sessions.
“Their children are moving better, feeling better. Some of them are communicating better,” Smith said. “It’s more than just exercise.”
Many of GYMGUYZ’s trainers, including Smith himself, have earned Special Strong certification, an advanced credential for working with individuals with adaptive needs.
Building confidence and independence
One of the biggest advantages of in-home training is that clients can exercise in a familiar environment.
“A lot of individuals don’t want to go to a crowded gym,” Smith said. “So we come to the client’s home. They’re in a safe, comfortable environment. They’re calm and relaxed.”
For some clients, home-based fitness remains the long-term goal. Others gradually build the confidence to exercise independently in the community.
“We build that confidence with exercise,” Smith said. “Having a trainer there like a mentor who’s guiding them every step of the way.”
He has watched clients improve their communication, adopt healthier lifestyles, and even transition into more independent living.
“We’ve had clients who moved out of the home and are now going to a gym near them,” he said. “Yes, we miss them, but helping them create that independence to go out in the community—that’s one of the most rewarding things.”
At the same time, Smith recognizes that independence looks different for every individual.
“There are some that might not get out and be independent,” he said. “What we can do is keep them healthy, show them the benefits of exercise and healthy eating habits, and help them sustain that throughout the rest of their life.”
Encouraging healthy habits
Smith also speaks from personal experience. His nephew has autism, and his wife is a special education teacher.
“My nephew’s highly autistic. My wife’s a special ed teacher, so this is not something I’m new to,” he said.
He encourages parents to introduce healthy foods gradually, reduce sugary drinks, and make movement part of everyday life. He also recommends that New York families explore the state’s Self-Direction program, which provides access to community activities and services, including fitness programs.
Looking ahead, Smith says his mission remains simple.
“My goal is just to help as many people as we can,” he said. “Whether it’s creating independence for someone with adaptive needs or helping an older adult stay mobile and spend time with their grandkids, we’re here to help people lead active, healthy lifestyles.”
