Overcoming Invisible Injuries: Adaptive Fitness For TBI Survivors
According to the International Brain Injury Association, there are approximately 5.3 million Americans currently living with a disability related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Individuals who suffer from TBI may look completely fine on the outside, yet still struggle with a number of long-lasting symptoms. This invisible impact affects every part of life. So, today, let’s talk about the difference adaptive fitness can make in getting your life back on track after injury.
Client Q&As: Impacts Of TBI From REIZ Clients
Your TBI is unique. So is your training. At REIZ Adaptive Fitness, we follow the research. And because of that, we know how to assess and strategically adjust every workout to match your ability level. Hear from two of our current TBI clients about their journeys:
Holden
Q: Tell us a little bit about your journey with TBI.
A: Four days after high school graduation, I was t-boned by a newly licensed driver running a red light. I had a severe traumatic brain injury. My journey continued after 10 weeks in a coma, four months in a minimally conscious state, and six months in a facility for disorder of the conscious. I have spent the last six years trying every avenue possible to heal.
Q: What’s something you wish more people understood about TBI?
A: One thing I wish people would understand about brain injury is that it’s an invisible injury. You may look fine, but you are not.
Q: What motivated you to get involved with adaptive fitness to begin with?
A: A friend in Georgia introduced me to adaptive climbing and then, soon after, adaptive golfing. This spawned my interest in fitness and staying healthy. I found REIZ by chance after moving to Austin. Mziya not only coaches you, but is a living testament to getting through the hard stuff and being resilient.
Q: How do you define “progress” in your fitness journey?
A: Progress after a brain injury sometimes feels slow. I set new, small goals for myself and feel motivated after achieving each one. Ultimately, the more joy I feel doing these things helps to keep pushing forward.
Q: What would you say to someone with a TBI who’s unsure whether adaptive fitness is right for them?
A: At the end of the day, people are capable of so much more than they or anyone else believes. You just have to be brave and take a leap.
Craig
Q: What is a milestone you’re most proud of from your journey with TBI?
A: Being able to watch Rocky. I love watching Rocky. He went from nothing to where he has everything. But he’s the same person, inside and out. When he gets knocked down, he gets back up again.
Traumatic Brain Injury Complications
TBI is a condition that happens when the brain is shaken within the skull, disrupting normal function. Most cases are due to motor vehicle collisions and household accidents, like falls. High-impact sports, combat injuries, and other violent incidents are also common reasons. The majority of these cases are mild to moderate.
Unlike when other parts of your body are injured, such as breaking a bone, brain injuries affect countless interconnected processes. After all, it’s the brain that controls our bodily functions and emotions, so recovery goes beyond just physical healing.
Symptoms of TBI might include:
Problems with speech
Difficulty sleeping regular hours
Loss of balance or coordination
Sensory problems
Memory loss
Difficulty reading cues
Depression and mood swings
Light or sound sensitivity
Difficulty concentrating
Challenges with problem-solving
Why Adaptive Fitness Works
Many people with TBI avoid exercise out of fear of worsening their symptoms. While that hesitation is understandable, having an adaptive fitness professional at your side after physical therapy means that you can push yourself beyond your comfort level without excessive risk.
Physical exercise is medicine for the brain. Studies show that individuals with TBI who participate in adaptive exercise programs experience meaningful improvements in strength, flexibility, and balance. These aren’t just “gym gains.” A stronger body means greater independence in daily tasks.
Research has also revealed that adaptive fitness programs can improve attention processes, boost memory, and enhance executive function. Each of these is an area that is often compromised after TBI. By getting in the habit of moving consistently, we can teach our brains new ways to communicate with the rest of our bodies, thanks to neuroplasticity creating and strengthening neural pathways.
Targeted Exercises For TBI Growth
The best exercises to incorporate into a program for someone with TBI are those that rebuild brain-body connections. For example:
Seated exercises help improve lower-body strength and circulation. This includes hip abductions, adductions, and rotations.
Core-focused exercises build stability for everyday movement. This includes oblique crunches.
Balance drills play a vital role in retraining coordination to restore your confidence. This includes weight shifts.
How REIZ Adaptive Fitness Helps You Thrive
At REIZ Adaptive Fitness, we specialize in creating safe, personalized fitness programs for individuals with a variety of disabilities, including TBI. Our approach blends evidence-based exercises with compassionate coaching, ensuring every session supports your mind and muscles. We believe exercise is a way to reclaim your life—one step, one rep, one victory at a time.
REMEMBER: We are a fitness resource, not medical professionals. Talk to your doctor and physical therapist before starting a program with REIZ Adaptive Fitness.