Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Bigelow.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was always deeply involved in fitness and sports. In high school, I played five different sports, but after experiencing a few injuries, I transitioned to fitness-specific training. That shift led me to bodybuilding, where I competed at the national level. Through bodybuilding, I expanded my understanding of muscle development, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness.
While I enjoyed competing, my biggest passion has always been martial arts. I’ve been practicing jiu-jitsu since the age of 3, and at 19, I began instructing professionally. Around two years ago, Arlene Lopez, the CEO of Kidisthenics LLC, approached me for jiu-jitsu lessons.
Arlene founded Kidisthenics in 2018, a company focused on providing high-intensity movement programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. The mission is to build emotional strength and self-confidence through stress-relieving movements and social outings. As an inclusive organization, Kidisthenics welcomes people of all abilities. Arlene sought to develop self-defense skills for herself and her movement specialists to better handle more unpredictable circumstances.
Together, we created a self defense curriculum based on techniques from Chinese Kempo and Krav Maga.
With my background in fitness, sales, and business – having started two businesses, including a personal training company, and pursuing a business minor at Point Loma Nazarene University – Arlene and I also began collaborating on the business development of Kidisthenics.
Arlene has over 20 years of experience working as a behavioral specialist for individuals with special needs. Her passion and expertise in the autism community, combined with my fitness and business knowledge, allowed us to take Kidisthenics to new heights. I helped bring on more movement specialists with psychology backgrounds, and as we worked together, our clientele grew steadily.
In 2023, at the age of 21, Arlene asked me to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer of Kidisthenics, a position I gratefully accepted.
My connection to Kidisthenics’ mission runs deep. During high school, I volunteered with individuals with autism and was consistently inspired by their intelligence, creativity and kindness. Working alongside Arlene to advocate for and empower this community feels like a calling.
Arlene’s authenticity and dedication to breaking the mold of how society serves individuals with autism is remarkable. She integrates modern technology, research and innovative training approaches to provide solutions that help individuals thrive independently and confidently.
When I became COO, I committed fully to Arlene’s mission: delivering revolutionary, modern training programs that help individuals on the autism spectrum flourish physically, socially and emotionally in their daily lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a young entrepreneur, leading a growing company at the age of 22 has been both exciting and challenging, offering valuable learning opportunities at every turn. I approach each new obstacle by seeking guidance from mentors and respected individuals within the San Diego community. Their insights have been instrumental in helping me grow as a leader and navigate the complexities of running a business.
One of my most impactful mentors has been Corey Peters, who recently joined the board of directors for Kidisthenics. Corey has advised and assisted in the growth of multiple thriving companies and has been an invaluable role model. Learning from his experience has helped me manage the steadily increasing demand for our services while developing the skills to lead with confidence and adaptability.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kidisthenics LLC?
Kidisthenics specializes in creating personalized fitness programs for individuals with autism, carefully tailored to the unique needs of each client. We begin with an initial assessment to understand their specific strengths, challenges, and goals, which allows us to design programs that are both engaging and effective.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to accountability and growth. Our movement specialists work closely with clients in a dynamic and fun environment that encourages them to challenge themselves while meeting high expectations.
From Monday through Friday, clients engage in one-on-one sessions with a movement specialist, participating in a diverse range of activities. These sessions include primitive movement training, cognitive exercises and an array of sports programs designed to enhance physical and mental development. Beyond fitness, we emphasize social integration through recreational outings such as trips to SeaWorld or the zoo. These experiences offer real-world opportunities for clients to practice navigating social norms while developing essential life skills, like using a credit card or interacting with employees. Throughout these activities, our specialists provide continuous support, utilizing stress-relief techniques to help clients remain calm, focused, and confident in potentially overstimulating situations.
Our movement specialists are not just fitness experts; they have a deep understanding of behavioral patterns in individuals with autism. They work closely with families to identify triggers and adapt their approach to avoid negative responses, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Specialists act as advocates for our clients, helping them achieve and surpass their goals.
On Saturdays, we bring clients together for group fitness sessions that reinforce the skills developed during the week. These sessions, divided by age group, encourage clients to build social connections while learning more about fitness and sports in a collaborative setting.
One of our proudest achievements is our mentorship program, which provides older clients the opportunity to become movement specialist assistants. Through mentoring younger clients in this role, they are able to earn an income. This initiative not only provides them with a sense of pride and purpose but also builds on the skills they’ve learned, fostering deeper connections and empowering them to take on leadership roles within our community.
At Kidisthenics, our mission goes beyond fitness. We are dedicated to helping individuals on the autism spectrum thrive physically, socially, and emotionally while equipping them with the tools to navigate life confidently and independently.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and grow, both as a leader at Kidisthenics and as an advocate for the autism community. Two books that have been particularly influential in my current role are Radical Candor by Kim Scott and Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison.
Radical Candor has challenged me to reflect on how I lead my team, emphasizing the importance of balancing directness with compassion. It has taught me how to foster open communication and maintain humility and integrity in leadership. On the other hand, Look Me in the Eye has provided me with deeper insights into the autism spectrum, helping me better understand the individuals I work with. It’s strengthened my ability to serve them effectively and meet their unique needs with empathy and awareness.
Both of these books have been invaluable resources as I strive to make a meaningful impact both in my professional life and in the autism community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kidisthenics.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidisthenics_global/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057280996402
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kidisthenics-llc-24a12b311/
