Tony Jacobsen smiling and pointing at the Planet Fitness App on his iPhone. The words, "My Journey to Planet Fitness" above the Planet Fitness logo

My journey to planet fitness and the future of adaptive fitness

Fitness has always been a deeply personal journey for me. It’s a journey filled with challenges, adaptations, and an #UNBREAKABLE commitment to proving that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can lead a healthier, more active life. Today, I’m proud to share a milestone that feels like a culmination of years of hard work and persistence: I’m now an adaptive fitness coach on the Planet Fitness mobile app!

This isn’t just a win for me—it’s a win for adaptive fitness as a whole. Planet Fitness has made history as the first major fitness brand to feature adaptive exercises on such a large platform. As their first adaptive fitness coach, I’m thrilled to help make fitness more accessible and inclusive for people everywhere.

Why Adaptive Fitness Matters

Adaptive fitness is about so much more than modifying exercises. It’s about creating a space where everyone, no matter their physical abilities, can feel like they belong. For years, people with disabilities or mobility challenges have been overlooked by the fitness industry. Workouts were either too intense, too rigid, or simply not designed with accessibility in mind.

As someone who has lived with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I.), I’ve felt this exclusion firsthand. Traditional fitness spaces often felt intimidating and out of reach. But adaptive fitness changes the game. It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing what works for you. It’s about moving your body in ways that feel good and empowering, and finding joy in the process.

The introduction of adaptive workouts on the Planet Fitness app is a monumental step forward. It sends a clear message: fitness is for everybody, and everybody deserves to feel strong, capable, and included.

The Work That Got Me Here

This partnership with Planet Fitness didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of personal growth, professional development, and a deep commitment to my mission of not only building my #UNBREAKABLE BODY, but making fitness accessible to all.

When I started my fitness journey, I didn’t have a clear roadmap. Living with O.I., I had to figure out how to adapt exercises to fit my body’s unique needs. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of moments of frustration and doubt. But each challenge taught me something valuable—not just about fitness, but about myself.

As I grew stronger, both physically and mentally, I realized that the lessons I was learning could help others. That realization led me to become an adaptive fitness coach, write my books, and create coaching programs designed to meet people where they are.

Working with Planet Fitness feels like a huge accomplishment of this journey. It’s a chance to take everything I’ve learned and share it with a larger audience, showing people that fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal, adaptable, and empowering.

Planet Fitness Leading the Way

What makes this so exciting is that it represents more than just me. It’s a bold statement from Planet Fitness about the importance of inclusivity in fitness.

For years, Planet Fitness has been known as a judgment-free zone, a place where people of all fitness levels and backgrounds can feel welcome. With the addition of adaptive workouts to their mobile app, they’ve taken that commitment to inclusivity to the next level.

This isn’t just a token effort. Planet Fitness has invested in creating workouts that truly cater to a diverse range of abilities. Whether you’re working out seated, standing, or using simple tools like resistance bands, these sessions are designed to meet you where you are.

In an industry that often prioritizes performance and aesthetics over accessibility, Planet Fitness is setting a new standard. They’re proving that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value that drives meaningful change.

The Importance of Representation

Representation matters, especially in fitness. Seeing someone who understands your challenges and has navigated similar obstacles can be incredibly empowering. That’s why I’m so proud to be the face of this initiative.

As Planet Fitness’s first adaptive fitness coach, I want to show people that fitness is possible for everyone. You don’t have to fit a certain mold or meet someone else’s definition of “fit.” You just have to start where you are and move forward, one move at a time.

How Adaptive Fitness is Changing Lives

Adaptive fitness isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental and emotional well-being, too. When you start moving your body, even in small ways, it creates a ripple effect. You feel stronger, more confident, and more capable of tackling other challenges in your life.

For many people, adaptive fitness is the first step toward reclaiming their independence and rediscovering what their bodies are capable of. It’s about breaking down barriers and rewriting the narrative around what fitness looks like–being #UNBREAKABLE!

How You Can Join the Movement

If you’re a Planet Fitness member, I encourage you to check out the adaptive workouts on their app. These sessions are designed to be flexible and accessible, whether you’re working out at home, at the gym, or on the go.

But if you’re looking for a more personalized approach, I’d love for you to join me through my coaching programs. My mission has always been to create a space where everyone feels supported, motivated, and empowered to reach their goals.

Here’s how you can work with me directly:

  • 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you achieve your fitness goals at your own pace.
  • Group Coaching: Connect with others on a similar journey and find strength in community.
  • Live Weekly Workouts: Stay consistent and inspired with adaptive workouts designed to fit your needs.

You can explore all my coaching options here: tonyjacobsen.com/coaching.

Looking Ahead

This work with Planet Fitness is just the beginning. There’s still so much work to be done to make fitness truly inclusive, but I’m excited about what the future holds. Together, we’re proving that fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Whether you’re exploring the workouts on the Planet Fitness app or joining me through my coaching programs, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s keep pushing for a fitness industry that includes and celebrates everyone, no matter their abilities.

Join Me in Building an Inclusive Fitness Future

#UNBREAKABLE is here to be a part of the movement toward a more inclusive fitness world. I’m honored to be a major voice in this space, and I hope you’ll join me in making fitness accessible for all.

Let’s show the world what it means to be #UNBREAKABLE.

Picture of Tony Jacobsen

Tony Jacobsen

Tony is the author of two books, a certified personal trainer, motivational speaker, and DJ!