ABOUT US

Uniquely Abled Fitness was born from the profound impact of two extraordinary individuals in Christiana Siegelin’s life. The first is her little sister, Briana, who has Down Syndrome. Briana has consistently defied expectations, showing the world that being labeled “disabled” doesn’t define her. Instead, she reveals how uniquely abled she truly is. Briana’s unwavering spirit and determination taught Christiana that while Briana’s path may differ from others, her contributions are just as meaningful—and often, even more inspiring.

The second inspiration came when Christiana met her (now) brother-in-law, Matthew Siegelin, who became her very first trainee. While pursuing her degree in Kinesiology, Christiana began working with Matthew weekly, applying her growing expertise during their sessions together. As she watched him gain strength and confidence, she witnessed something even more profound: Matthew’s time in the gym gave him a sense of belonging. He felt like an important part of a community that celebrated his abilities rather than focusing on his limitations.

These experiences lit a fire in Christiana’s heart. She realized that fitness wasn’t just about physical health—it was a powerful tool for empowerment, connection, and transformation. In 2020, she channeled this passion into launching Uniquely Abled Fitness, a program designed to showcase the unique worth and contributions of every athlete who participates.

Christiana’s mission didn’t stop there. She envisioned something greater: creating pockets of inclusion in gyms across the United States, where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) could thrive. Inspired by her experiences with Briana and Matthew, she wanted other families to know the joy of seeing their loved ones grow stronger, more confident, and more connected.

Uniquely Abled Fitness has become more than just a program—it has become a movement. Christiana aims to provide not only opportunities for individuals with IDD to explore their unique abilities but also a framework for communities to replicate this success. She hopes to empower other passionate individuals to carry the torch, bringing accessible fitness to their local gyms and ensuring no one is left out.

Every athlete who steps into Uniquely Abled Fitness is met with a space that celebrates their abilities, honors their journey, and recognizes their unique contributions. Through this program, Christiana continues to fulfill her mission: to create a world where fitness is inclusive, empowering, and accessible for all.