
The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast
Aging with Cerebral Palsy Doesn’t Mean You Have to Stop Moving
What happens when you decide that cerebral palsy doesn't get to determine what you're still capable of trying? In this episode, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by Janet Torres, cerebral palsy advocate, certified personal trainer, adaptive fitness specialist, bodybuilder, aspiring para track and field athlete, and founder of Diverse Abilities Fitness. Janet shares how her relationship with movement changed after moving to Columbus, Ohio, and becoming more physically active in her twenties. Eventually, that journey led to running her first 5K and experiencing a feeling of freedom through running that completely changed the direction of her life. We talk about Janet's path into the fitness industry, the gaps she saw in traditional fitness for people with disabilities, and why she eventually stepped out on her own to build Diverse Abilities Fitness. We also dig into something many adults with cerebral palsy think about as we get older. What happens when our bodies begin to change? Janet shares her experience being told she would need braces as she aged, how she initially accepted that this was simply what was going to happen, and why she eventually decided to see what her body was still capable of doing. Today, she's running again and beginning her journey into para track and field. Throughout the conversation, we explore adaptive fitness, aging with cerebral palsy, accessibility, faith, entrepreneurship, community, and why being active doesn't have to look the same throughout every stage of life. Janet also shares an important reminder for anyone waiting until they feel completely ready to start. You're probably never going to feel 100 percent ready. Sometimes you have to take a small step, see what happens, adjust, find support, and keep moving forward. Or, as Janet puts it, do it anyway. Connect with Janet Instagram https://www.instagram.com/diverseabilityfit/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583238440975 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/d.a.f.torres/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@diverseabilityfitness4922 Follow Chad and Daryl on Instagram Chad Williams https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/ Daryl Perry https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

