Step into the bright, welcoming space at Union Fitness in Eagan this summer, and you might just witness something extraordinary. Adults with disabilities will be working out in small-group fitness classes, partnering with exceptional trainers who see more than physical limits—they see opportunity.
It’s all thanks to InControl, a local organization dedicated to helping disabled adults live their fullest lives. Founded by Kelsey Joson, InControl delivers in-home coaching to clients 18 and older across the Twin Cities metro area. While the organization became operational in 2021, its vision had been forming long before that.
“I wanted a place where people with disabilities could come to get fitness coaching, nutrition support, and social-emotional development,” Kelsey shares. “But after the pandemic, I realized many clients were stuck at home outside of work. That’s when we shifted to in-home services.”
Built on Three Core Pillars
Kelsey explains that the InMotion program is built on three core pillars.
- Physical wellness: Helping clients understand how and why to move their bodies, offering equipment recommendations, and focusing on movements they enjoy.
- Nutrition coaching: From shopping to prepping meals, clients are exposed to recipes and kitchen skills that match their unique health needs.
- Social and emotional support: Beyond basic life skills, clients engage in character development—practicing patience, respect, and navigating tough situations through role-play and coaching.
Philip has been working one-on-one with Jen Williams, owner and trainer at Union Fitness, for about six months. He came to Jen after his mother struggled to find a local gym that offered adaptive classes. It is this very relationship between Jen and Philip that Kelsey is looking to create for other individuals who desire adaptive physical fitness options.
An Introduction to Inspire Better Health for People of All Abilities
Kelsey and Jen first met at church just before the pandemic. As they kept in touch, they saw an opportunity to build something together that combined their passions. “There are already families at Union Fitness who have loved ones with disabilities,” says Jen. “We wanted to build a space where everyone feels seen and supported.”
That space is finally coming to life.
Beginning June 9, Union Fitness will host InControl’s adaptive fitness classes—a 12-week pilot program open to adults with disabilities who are ready to move their bodies in new ways. Participants can sign up for one or two sessions per week, where they’ll be grouped thoughtfully based on an intake assessment and individual goals.
“We want to help people feel confident and comfortable,” Jen says. “Our gym gives them access to so much more—ropes, weights, spin bikes, boxing bags, and space to move.”
This program isn’t just about breaking a sweat—it’s about creating connection, building confidence, and fostering independence. And it’s just the beginning. Kelsey and Jen hope to grow the program and adapt it based on financial needs and community interest.
Interested families can reach out to jen@unionfitmn.com to get started.