Shows
Dads in AutismlandAutism Fitness Blueprint: A New Approach to Autism Exercise with Eric Chessen | Season 2 Episode 25Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, to explore the long-term importance of physical health for autistic individuals. Eric shares his journey from personal trainer to autism fitness pioneer, offering insights into motivation, movement planning, and individualized training for children and adults on the spectrum. With practical advice, personal stories, and thoughtful strategies, this episode empowers dads to prioritize their child's physical health—regardless of age or verbal ability. From behavior-specific praise to handling meltdowns in the gym...2025-06-1848 min
Behavioral Health TodayAutism Fitness: Where Strength Meets Support, and Movement Builds Meaning with Eric Chessen – Episode 382This episode goes beyond fitness, it’s about cultivating flexibility, enhancing communication, and showing up fully in life when the world hasn’t always made room for you to succeed. Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness and a trailblazer in adaptive fitness programming for individuals on the autism spectrum. With more than 20 years of experience supporting neurodiverse athletes, Eric created the PAC Profile—a distinctive framework that integrates physical, adaptive, and cognitive assessments to design truly meaningful fitness programs. Eric’s work uniquely bridges exercise science and behavioral strategies, providing parents, educators, and professi...2025-06-1043 min
Moms Talk Autism PodcastFitness and Autism with Eric ChessenIn this episode, we sit down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness. Eric explains the crucial role of fitness for individuals on the autism spectrum. We talk about common fitness misconceptions why fitness should be a fundamental aspect of health and well-being for autistic individuals.
IG: @TheAutismFitness
2025-05-121h 09
Bair It All: The Kintsugi ChroniclesSOMEBODY NEEDED, to be ...Today's episode features guest, Eric Chessen.Eric is a fitness professional in North Carolina.Eric created the program: Autism Fitness, out of necessity.He saw a population he loved working with.And they were not being taken care of properly, they were underserved.So, he did something about it.And now he has Autism Master Pro's in places like Montana and Croatia!Join us...2025-04-071h 17
Helping Families Go BeyondBeyond the Gym: Making Fitness Inclusive for Everyone with Autism Fitness’ Eric ChessenDiscover how Autism Fitness is transforming adaptive fitness training with expert Eric Chessen. In this episode, we explore the importance of scalable exercise modifications, self-regulation strategies, and creating sensory-friendly environments for neurodivergent athletes. Eric shares insights on overcoming coaching challenges, building consistency in home-based fitness, and fostering inclusivity in gyms. Plus, hear an inspiring success story that highlights the power of structured, adaptable workouts. Whether you're a coach, educator, parent, or self-advocate, this conversation is packed with actionable tips for making fitness accessible to all.
Eric Chessen is the Founder of Autism Fitness. With backgrounds in exercise...2025-03-0333 min
All Autism TalkThe Importance of Fitness to Support Life SkillsEric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, shares his journey to create effective fitness programs for neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique needs and challenges as well as the role of fitness as a life skill. He states, “It’s not just for sports or body composition. A lot of our focus is to support activities in daily living.” Eric also discusses the need to raise the standard of practice in the fitness industry to better serve the autism community.
For show notes, transcription, and to watch the video interview, visit www.allauti...2025-02-2739 min
Strength Chat#307 Eric ChessenIn this week's Strength Chat I was joined by the creator of Autism Fitness, Eric Chessen.
We all know the physical and mental benefits the gym can have on people, however, there are still some populations where the gym environment isn’t able to meet their needs. This is where Eric has worked hard to create and adapt gym spaces for people with Autism.
In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:
How Eric created Autism Fitness
The common mistakes he sees from other gyms and coa...2025-01-1953 min
Mind, Body And Business With Maria MoreAutism Fitness with Eric Chessen | Episode 116As a mom of two sons on the Autism Spectrum, Maria has always been a strong advocate for resources that enhance the lives of Autistic individuals, especially resources that contribute to their physical well being. In this episode, Maria goes into a deep dive with Eric Chessen, Personal Trainer and Founder of Autism Fitness. Eric assesses physical, adaptive, and cognitive skills do develop truly meaningful, effective fitness and adapted programs for neurodiverse populations. Fitness is a life skill. Prioritizing exercise can build skills that enhance independence and quality of life. If you are someone you love is on the...2025-01-1521 min
Flex Diet PodcastEpisode 298: Enhancing Fitness for Neurodivergent Populations with Eric Chessen of Autism FitnessJoin me, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, on the Flex Diet Podcast as I connect with Eric Chessen to delve into fitness for autism and neurodivergent populations. Eric shares insights on his certification program for trainers working with these communities. \From discussing gym trends to understanding autism spectrum challenges, listeners will gain practical advice. Topics also include sensory-motor processing, effective coaching strategies, and the impact of neuromuscular control. Stay tuned for a rich conversation touching on the essence of adaptability in fitness.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%Dr. Mike's...2024-12-161h 20
Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)Crafting Inclusive Spaces: Autism Fitness Founder Eric ChessenSend us a textIn this episode, Eric Chessen discusses the importance of tailored fitness programs for individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to fitness that considers individual goals, capabilities, and the unique challenges faced by this population. The conversation covers various topics, including the significance of core strength, the misconceptions surrounding exercise, the role of sports in promoting normalization, and the importance of understanding and respecting individual differences in fitness and dance. Eric also highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness in the autism community, particularly regarding...2024-12-0759 min
The Coaches Corner University PodcastAutism Fitness - Eric Chessen In this episode, Paul sits down with Eric Chessen, Owner and Head Coach at Autism Fitness. Eric specializes in coaching and training neurodivergent populations and has made it his mission to spread the word about the importance of physical activity and health for this population. He educates and certifies other coaches with his Autism Fitness Certification and is working to create systemic change.They discuss:Eric’s pathThe importance of physical activity for neurodivergent populationsThe barriers specific to his target populationCommon misconceptions about learning disabilities and fitnessCreating systemic changeAnd more…Find Eric:...2024-01-311h 04The Coaches Corner University PodcastAutism Fitness - Eric Chessen In this episode, Paul sits down with Eric Chessen, Owner and Head Coach at Autism Fitness. Eric specializes in coaching and training neurodivergent populations and has made it his mission to spread the word about the importance of physical activity and health for this population. He educates and certifies other coaches with his Autism Fitness Certification and is working to create systemic change.They discuss:Eric’s pathThe importance of physical activity for neurodivergent populationsThe barriers specific to his target populationCommon misconceptions about learning disabilities and fitnessCreating systemic changeAnd more…Find Eric:...2024-01-311h 04
Move Without Limits36| Eric Chessen: Autism & Neuroadaptive FitnessPlease welcome today's interview guest Autism Fitness Founder, Eric Chessen. Over the last two decades Eric has developed the autism and neuroadaptive fitness community because 20 years ago, Eric found nothing of meaning to serve this population. Globally, Autism Fitness offers education to trainers, therapists, parents, and teachers to help their loved ones develop fitness as a means to a better quality of life. Eric answers questions that shed light on the physical, cognitive, and social barriers to purposeful, outcomes-focused, and meaningful fitness programs the neurodivergent community navigates. Even beyond advocating for the neurodivergent population- Eric offers so much...2024-01-171h 13
The Compleat KiDZ PodcastEpisode 13 - Achieving Fitness Goals for Kids on the Autism SpectrumWe're joined by Eric Chessen of Autism Fitness! Learn more about his certification to help trainers help kids on the Autism spectrum to stay healthy and achieve their fitness goals!https://www.autismfitness.comVisit our website www.CompleatKidz.comFollow us on social media: @CompleatKidz2023-06-0520 min
David's Cerebral Palsy and Fitness PodcastConversation with Founder of Autism Fitness Eric ChessenIn this episode of the Cerebral Palsy and Fitness Podcast I have Eric Chessen @TheAutismfitness He is the founder of Autism Fitness and has over 20 years of training and programming for the ASD/Neurodiverse/CP Population. Eric's background is in Exercise Science and Behavioral Analysis and has an Autism Fitness Certification. Appreciate you Eric for improving the health of those with disabilities. Thank you for a great conversation! #autism #fitness #health #neurodiversity #cerebralpalsy #podcast Check out his website for more information and to contact him! https://www.autismfitness.com/?r_done=12023-01-0649 min
Coach Catalyst PodcastEpisode 19 - Eric ChessenOn this Podcast Episode we have a fantastic speaker in Eric Chessen. Our Speaker talks about what got him started with his career in Autism Fitness and how it eventually grew one-on-one with his clients. He goes into details how he figured out a coaching style that was suited for the autism and neuro adaptive population and how planning out every workout session first with his clients is a great way to prepare. He also talks about the advantages of doing workout repetitively and points out key reasons for its benefits. He explains the structure this workout creates and...2022-12-181h 21
The Movement As Medicine PodcastThe Movement As Medicine Podcast - Episode 19: Eric Chessen from Autism FitnessShow Notes:About EricYour program on paper needs to apply to the person/population standing in front of youBuild rapport and set expectations firstAlways give choices - which one do YOU want to do? Have to - sucks.The PAC Profile: Physical, Adaptive, CognitiveWhere do coaches struggle the most when working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders - Answer? OVERCOACHINGLabel, Demonstrate, Do and CueAccess and advocatesMilestones to work towards - motor control through a full...2022-08-1048 min
Fitness Education Online Podcast I For Personal Trainers, Fitness Professionals, Gym Owners & the Fitness IndustryEp 228: How to train clients on the Autism spectrum with Eric Chessen from Autism FitnessWelcome to Fitness Education Online PodcastIn this episode of Fitness Education Online podcast Jono interviews Eric Chessen.Eric is the founder of Autism Fitness- The world leader in fitness for the ASD and Special Needs Population. Dedicated to creating exercise programs for all individuals on the Autism Spectrum.To take the certification, just go via the link below and use “FEO150’ as your coupon code to claim a $150 discount.https://www.autismfitness.com/--Note: Podcast episodes are hosted by either Jono Petrohilos or Travis Mattern of ...2022-06-1848 min
The Coach U PodcastStronger than U - Eric ChessenThis episode features a conversation with Eric Chessen. Eric created Autism Fitness, which is an educational company that teaches anyone working with the autistic community how to communicate, manage, train or teach the autistic population. Eric also makes training equipment through his second company, Stronger Than U. His main goal is to make more compact, yet super efficient equipment (made in the USA) that has multiple purposes while making storage a breeze. Eric has been in the fitness industry for quite some time and has a lot of great knowledge to share, not to mention some awesome outloo...2022-06-041h 14
Creating the 4%: Real Life Stories From The Fitness IndustryEric Chessen & Matthew Alexander: Autism, Differently Abled vs Disabled & Fitness As A Life SkillFollow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingthe4pod/Please take a moment to RATE & REVIEW on SPOTIFY & APPLE PODCASTS!MATTHEW ALEXANDER was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. As a teenager he was struggling with mental health and joined the gym. Everything Changed.He is a well known and loved cycling instructor and has done so much for the Autism population here on Long Island through community involvement & various fundraisers.Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen has spent 20 years developing successful fitness and adaptive PE p...2022-05-261h 18
Your Fitness Money Coach PodcastWhen Preparation Meets Opportunity - An Interview with Eric ChessenI have a unique interview today with Eric Chessen. It’s kind of crazy that I did BJJ with Eric over 20 years ago, lost touch, and here he is on my podcast! A lot has happened to both of us in those 20 years. I’m excited to bring this interview to you today because of Eric’s unique perspective. We discussed his experience doing a Tedx talk - everything from how it came about to lessons learned. Eric also has a really unique and specialized niche, Autism Fitness. Don’t tune out if you...2022-04-0540 min
Create a New TomorrowEP 12 : Consistency is the Key with Eric Chessen Full EpisodeEric Chessen is the founder of Autism Fitness. He's an exercise physiologist with an extensive background in applied behavior analysis. And Eric has been working with the ASTM population of all ages for nearly 20 years. Eric is on a mission to help kids with Autism he has extensive work with individuals with developmental disabilities with a specific focus on young individuals (4-21) with an autism spectrum disorder. Particular emphasis on program and curriculum instruction and implementation of adaptive fitness programs as well as staff training. Innovative problem-solving techniques. Strong abilities in group settings.Listen...2020-09-1653 min
Autism In Real LifeEpisode 22: An Interview with Eric Chessen from Autism Fitness.In this episode, I got a chance to talk with Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism Fitness about how he has made it to bring effective, fun, and meaningful fitness and Adaptive Physical Education programs to as many on the autism spectrum as possible. When just beginning his career as a fitness trainer over fifteen years ago, Eric had the opportunity to develop fitness programs for teens on the autism spectrum and undergo high level ABA training both clinically and academically. As he became increasingly dedicated to working with this u...2020-09-1658 min
Create a New TomorrowEP 11 : Consistency is the Key with Eric Chessen HighlightEric Chessen is the founder of Autism Fitness. He's an exercise physiologist with an extensive background in applied behavior analysis. And Eric has been working with the ASTM population of all ages for nearly 20 years. Eric is on a mission to help kids with Autism he has extensive work with individuals with developmental disabilities with a specific focus on young individuals (4-21) with an autism spectrum disorder. Particular emphasis on program and curriculum instruction and implementation of adaptive fitness programs as well as staff training. Innovative problem-solving techniques. Strong abilities in group settings.Listen...2020-09-1423 min
Autism Grown Up Podcast75. Fitness is Integral to Daily Living Skills (w/ Eric Chessen)Eric Chessen, M.S. is the Founder of Autism Fitness and creator of the PAC Profile Method. Eric has spent nearly 20 years developing successful fitness and adapted PE programs for the ASD population of all ages and abilities levels. His work has been featured on VICE Media, Yahoo News, and Eric has presented for TEDx. He lives in Charlotte, NC.
In this episode, we discuss how Autism Fitness got started: Eric saw a need to create fitness programming that is actionable and combines his background in fitness and autism; how fitness is best when individualized and applied...2020-08-2640 min
Revolutionary You!#262-Eric Chessen: Autism FitnessIt's a topic that is very close to my heart, having a son with autism. This week, I welcome Eric Chessen of Autism Fitness to the show. We talk about how he got started focusing on this incredible niche demographic and what eventually led to him creating two certifications to help trainers learn how to effectively coach individuals on all degrees of the autism spectrum. Download, subscribe, share with your friends and please take a moment to leave us an iTunes review. To learn more about Eric's work and to get more information on getting certified: ...2020-07-1642 min
Future of FitnessMentor or Martyr - Eric ChessenIn this episode, I am interviewing Eric Chessen about fitness in the autism population. Eric is the founder of Autism Fitness, which is a fitness framework dedicated to providing fun and meaningful fitness outcomes to individuals across the spectrum. How has your life, and business changed over the last three months? (01:14) Eric says he has lived in New York his whole life. He and his wife decided that it was time for a big change, so they relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. They relocated on the first of March, and three weeks later everything ch...2020-07-0838 min
Passage to Profit Show - Road to EntrepreneurshipThe Benefits of Meditation During Crises and in Normal Life with Ariel Garten from Muse, 06-21-20In this episode, hear from Ariel Garten, founder of Muse - a ground-breaking meditation technology in a brain sensing headband that is helping people relieve stress and anxiety during the COVID19 pandemic and in everyday life. Ariel Garten is a neuroscientist, innovator, and entrepreneur whose driving purpose is to empower and help others overcome mental obstacles in order to live healthy, happy lives and reach their maximum potential. Garten is one of the Founders of InteraXon, the makers of Muse: the brain sensing headband. Muse is the award-winning wearable technology that assists and trains meditation and mindfulness. You can r...2020-06-2653 min
Moving2LiveEric Chessen Autism Fitness part 2Eric Chessen, M.S. is the Founder of Autism Fitness. An exercise physiologist with an extensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) background, Eric has spent nearly two decades developing and implementing successful fitness programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. … Continue reading →2019-04-1042 minMoving2LiveEric Chessen Autism Fitness part 2Eric Chessen, M.S. is the Founder of Autism Fitness. An exercise physiologist with an extensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) background, Eric has spent nearly two decades developing and implementing successful fitness programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. … Continue reading →2019-04-1042 min
Action Steps PodcastEp79 Eric ChessenEric Chessen (Autism Fitness, Stronger Than U) joins me for ep79!
I love episodes like this where I find myself out of my element. Eric does important work training people with autism.
We had an awesome discussion diving into his process and philosophy when training individuals that aren’t neurotypical, creating his Autism Fitness certification, the products he designs as co-founder of Stronger Than U and more!
You can find out more about Eric, his Autism program and certification at:
Website: https://autismfitness.com/
You can buy the Gut Wrench and Walking Sleds at: https://strongerthanu.com/
Want to train or...2019-03-251h 27
The KSI Huddle Podcast with Coach Ian KingHuddle #46 – Chat with Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism FitnessIn this podcast Ian King chats with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness. The mission for Autism Fitness as a business is to provide not just fitness programs, but effective and reliable fitness programs for every individual with autism and related disabilities. Autism Fitness also serves as a bridge between the professional fitness and autism communities (families, educators, and therapists). The business also provides the Autism Fitness Toolbox and the Autism Fitness Certified Practitioner program. Learn more in this podcast!2019-02-041h 11Moving2LivePodcast 2:19- Eric Chessen Autism Fitness part 1Eric Chessen, M.S. is the Founder of Autism Fitness. An exercise physiologist with an extensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) background, Eric has spent nearly two decades developing and implementing successful fitness programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. … Continue reading →2019-01-0932 minMoving2LivePodcast 2:19- Eric Chessen Autism Fitness part 1Eric Chessen, M.S. is the Founder of Autism Fitness. An exercise physiologist with an extensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) background, Eric has spent nearly two decades developing and implementing successful fitness programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. … Continue reading →2019-01-0932 min
Four Pillar FitnessEric Chessen: Autism Fitness and the Real WorldOn this Friday Happy Hour episode of the Four Pillar Fitness podcast, I'm joined by my good friend and co-conspirator in seeing the weirdness in the world, Eric Chessen.
Eric is the founder and Kommisar of Autism Fitness. He's passionate about bringing sound fitness principles and frequent fitness opportunity to the Autism Spectrum community.
He's also the CEO of StrongerThanU.com, makers of cool fitness tools that you need. Unless, of course, you like being weak.
He also has strong feelings for red meat and pre-workout.
Eric shares his thoughts with us about:
> Why sports-based PE has failed those on...2018-09-211h 06Future of FitnessAutism Fitness - Eric ChessenWhen just beginning his career as a fitness trainer over fifteen years ago, Eric had the opportunity to develop fitness programs for teens on the autism spectrum and undergo high-level ABA training both clinically and academically. As he became increasingly dedicated to working with this unique population, Eric found a near-total lack of information concerning best practices and approaches when creating fitness programs for those with autism. Steadily, and over the course of a decade working with hundreds of athletes who had significant variance in their ability levels, he began to create the outline for Autism Fitness...2018-05-0933 min
Live Life Aggressively Podcast w/Mike Mahler & Sincere HoganChristina Danos
Christina Danos created Kettlebells 4 Autism with the goal of raising awareness about autism through kettlebell training and sport. KB4A supports not-for-profit organizations devoted to autism research, treatment, and/or the delivery of evidenced based practices, to those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
By way of an annual Kettlebells 4 Autism Fundraising Event, and merchandise sales, KB4A riases funds for a minimum of 4 not-for-profit organizations per year. The tiny in stature, yet strong on the kettlebell platform with a heart, autism advocate joins the LLA podcast to discuss the following :
What drew Christina into the area of autism awarene...2015-04-211h 26
The Best Ever You ShowAreva Martin & Eric ChessenApril is Autism Awareness Month! Join us for a special hour show with Areva Martin and Eric Chessen. Known to audiences across the country from her regular appearances on THE DR. PHIL SHOW and THE BALANCING ACT, as well as stops at the THE CBS EARLY SHOW, FOX NEWS and other national shows, Areva is one of television’s most in-demand legal experts/analysts. A quotable authority on workplace, disability rights, education, custody and women’s issues, this accomplished and multi-award winning attorney, syndicated columnist, author and public speaker is also quoted and or featured on the pages of publications rang...2011-04-011h 00
Embrace Autism NowDiscussing AutismThe very enthusiastic (and easy on the eyes :D ) founder of AutismFitness.com, Eric Chessen, will be on the show today explaining how his exercise program started and how to get your family working towards better health, coordination and self-confidence! This program is specifically designed to help common problem areas for children on the spectrum. For more information, go to www.AutismFitness.com. Call in with any questions at 646-716-96632009-09-091h 17