Autism Fitness Breakthrough: A Trainer's Emotional Journey with Kids on the Spectrum - Ed Richardson, Ep. 231

In our latest episode of the Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I had the honor of welcoming back a truly inspiring guest — Ed Richardson, certified personal trainer, entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Jan Jo Fitness.

Ed’s personal story is powerful enough — losing 50 pounds at age 50 and reclaiming his own health. But today, Ed’s impact stretches far beyond fitness transformations. For the past several years, he’s dedicated a major part of his work to helping children on the autism spectrum, and what he shared during our conversation was nothing short of remarkable.

Ed never set out to work with autistic children. In fact, the opportunity came unexpectedly when a colleague relocated and recommended Ed to step in. What began as a favor turned into a calling. Today, Ed trains boys and girls ranging from five to seventeen years old, tailoring fitness programs to their unique needs, abilities, and personalities.

But as Ed explained, training these children is about so much more than exercise. It’s about patience, trust, love, and connection. Every child he meets teaches him something new — about resilience, about courage, and about the power of genuine human care.

He shared touching stories of breakthrough moments — like the young boy who couldn’t even do a single push-up when they started. After months of consistent, patient work, that same boy surprised Ed by not only mastering the push-up but even doing clapping push-ups! Ed described moments like these as ones that truly bring tears to his eyes — moments of pride, not just for the kids, but for their families and for himself.

Training children on the spectrum isn’t without its challenges. Ed emphasized that every session requires adaptability — adjusting workouts on the spot depending on the child's mood, energy level, and emotional state. And not every match is perfect. Sometimes, Ed knows when it's time to step back and let a more specialized trainer step in — always keeping the child's best interests at heart.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from our talk was this: you have to love this work. Children, especially those on the spectrum, can sense your energy and intention. If your heart isn’t in it, they’ll know. For Ed, it’s not about the money — it’s about making a real difference.

As someone who has spent decades promoting health and fitness for children and families, hearing Ed’s passion and commitment reminded me why we do what we do. It’s about changing lives — one push-up, one smile, one connection at a time.

If you missed this episode, I encourage you to tune in. It’s a heartfelt reminder that when love leads the way, anything is possible.

Stay fit, stay focused, and keep moving!