Fitness is for Everyone

Amidst the usual sounds on a typical weekend morning at Strange Strength and Conditioning: the clang of weights, the thumps of medicine balls and the blasting voices of a 1990’s punk rock soundtrack, a different sound also echoed from the gym: the cheers, hoots, hollers and competitive arguments of the USC Men’s Basketball team.

Through a unique NIL partnership with House of Victory, USC’s Official NIL Collective, Trojan hoopers joined Angel City Sport’s Adaptive Functional Fitness Class, supporting the adaptive athletes as they completed their workout and even getting in on the action themselves. 

“It really does make a difference to have people that are encouraging and supportive who are creating an environment for us to push ourselves further,” said Sydney Coblentz, a frequent attendee of the Adaptive Functional Fitness Class, who has a physical disability.

This class was unique in that it was structured in a team relay format, meaning all the class participants and Trojans were divided into two teams, to battle against each other for the duration of the class in a variety of fitness challenges.

Despite the natural competitive nature of the Trojans, they didn’t lose sight of what was really important about this class.

“Seeing everyone working through the challenges that they have to deal with everyday, it’s really inspiring for me to just keep working, and to just be grateful for what I have,” said forward Jaden Brownell.

The HOV athletes supported the adaptive athletes as they participated in a variety of functional fitness exercises, designed to help improve strength, endurance, balance coordination and more. Beyond the competitive adaptive functional fitness arena, these exercises are also specially designed by Angel City Sports Adaptive Function Fitness Instructor Anna Stern to help anyone with a disability maintain or improve their independence, succeed at everyday tasks and feel more comfortable and confident. 

“We came out here to Angel City Sports to help people with disabilities work out, and I’m really grateful for this experience,” said swing player Chad Baker-Mazara. “When I do little things like this, it just makes me appreciate life a little bit more because you know, life is already hard, now imagine how hard it is living with a disability.” 

This particular team circuit involved rotations consisting of the ski machine, wall ball throws, banded ab crunches, medicine ball bowling and a few games for the able-bodied athletes as well. As at every class, Stern adapted each exercise as needed for every class participant and instructed the HOV athletes on how and when to get involved in each exercise. 

“Having the House of Victory athletes with us at our Adaptive Functional Fitness classes is always amazing,” said Stern. “These athletes bring an energy and enthusiasm that supports our adaptive athletes and encourages them to push hard, stay focused and test their limits. The USC student-athletes are always engaged and connect with our adaptive athletes, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves.”

And of course, given the nature of this particular class, the competitive juices kicked in and everyone was building off the energy that the basketball athletes brought. 

“It was definitely something different and unique,” said forward Ezra Ausar. “They split us up into two teams, and you know my team started off a little slow, but we ended up winning, so shout out to my team. We went really hard today.”

Despite the friendly competition throughout the class, every athlete in attendance, able-bodied and disabled, came together over the love of fitness.

“It opens up my heart and my mind, and seeing them push through makes me want to push through,” said Baker-Mazara. “Being able to come here and help them workout was an amazing experience.”