Mike Bevan has combined a background and interest in fitness with the motivation provided by his 17-year-old son to recently launch his business, Special Strong of Western Chicagoland, which provides science-based adaptive fitness programs for people with mental, physical or cognitive challenges.
The mission is to “unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body and spirit” of his clients, so they can live a “more independent and abundant life,” Bevan said.
The River Forest resident’s resume includes certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the International Sport & Science Association, continuing education courses at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Kinesiology program, working as a part time personal trainer and full time for a commercial fitness equipment manufacturer.
“Coming out of COVID, I was tired of the corporate marketing world and the constant fear of layoffs and began thinking about my second act,” Bevan said. “Whatever Act Two was, it was to involve my son Mikey, who is now 17 and intellectually disabled.”
Bevan said he started seeing social media ads for Special Strong, a franchise system based out of McKinney, Texas. The founder, Daniel Stein, was diagnosed with a learning disability and mood disorder at the age of 21 and started the first location in 2016.
Bevan thought it could be a good fit.
“I reached out then, but the franchisor had not yet expanded to Illinois,” he said. “I kept up with Special Strong over the years and decided to reach out again last September.”
That contact resulted in Bevan getting a franchise with Special Strong for a territory that includes gyms in Elmwood Park, River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westchester, Westmont, Western Springs, Hinsdale and La Grange.
“I’m focusing on independent gyms and training studios,” Bevan said. “Almost any space or set-up will work.
“Everyone is very appreciative that we are working with this population, and several of the studio and gym owners have their own story/relationship with someone with special needs. They get it. The most challenging to convince are the larger, chain gyms that have their own personal training staff and have policies in place that will restrict us.”
As he is getting started, Bevan has contracted with one gym in Westmont and has contracts out to four additional facilities.
“I am currently the owner, trainer, marketer and handle business development,” he said. “I love it and am in the process of hiring trainers. I’ve had a lot of interest and have at least 7-8 that are qualified not only in personal training, but in kindness and willingness to serve others.”
To be a trainer with Special Strong, one needs an active Personal Trainer Certification, have completed CPR/AED/First Aid training, and have an Adaptive Fitness Trainer certification, Bevan said.
He said Special Strong’s adaptive training model, used for every client, is known as CBSE, which stands for Core, balance and flexibility, Brain and sensory systems, Strength and muscle development, and Endurance and stamina adoption.
“Fitness training is for everyone and even more important for those in this community, as organized activities and programming are diminished after high school and transition programs,” Bevan said. “They need options, and we believe our option can help just about anyone with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities, which includes special needs population, stroke victims, elderly, sedentary and more.”
Bevan said his immediate goals are to build awareness for the brand as quickly as possible by networking with trainers, gyms, studios, governments and special needs organizations.
“My future goals are to have 200-plus active athletes working with our trainers, be a strong advocate for the special needs community and change lives,” he said.
“Having been a personal trainer, there’s nothing like your clients achieving their goals. I can’t wait to speak with my athlete’s parents or caregivers to hear them talk about the positive changes in their lives. It’s infectious.”
Bevan may be contacted at mike.bevan@specialstrong.com
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
