Adaptive fitness is the miracle we need in the disabled community. I’ve known Tony forever, so I was excited to learn about his recent accomplishments. I was going to take this interview and make a profile, but his words need to be untouched for you.
I think you will gain valuable value because our health should be our number one priority. Read on!
1. Congratulations on becoming the first adaptive fitness coach on the Planet Fitness App! What does this milestone mean to you personally and for the adaptive fitness community?
It means everything. Personally, it’s a full-circle moment. As someone with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I.), I never saw someone like me in fitness. Now I am that person! For the community, this is a big win. It shows the world that adaptive fitness is here. It’s real. And it’s not going anywhere.
2. Can you share your personal journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and how it led you to a career in fitness and coaching?
I was born with Type 1 O.I. I’ve suffered through 75-ish fractures in my life. For a long time, I thought I wasn’t meant to move. As anyone with O.I. knows, we’re taught that movement is more harmful than helpful. I believed the limits placed on me. But in my early 40s, I had had enough. After a health scare that involved my heart, I chose to change my entire life. I started working out. I got stronger. I burned off weight. I gained confidence. And through it all, I realized, I had to share this with others like me. That’s how the coaching started.
3. Your mantra is “#UNBREAKABLE.” How did you develop this philosophy, and how has it influenced your approach to life and fitness?
#UNBREAKABLE isn’t just a word. It’s a way of life. I came up with it during my transformation. My bones may break, but my spirit and determination don’t. That mindset shift changed everything. Now I teach others that being #UNBREAKABLE starts in the mind, not the body.
4. What challenges have you faced in promoting adaptive fitness within mainstream platforms, and how have you overcome them?
Getting people to see adaptive fitness as real fitness is the biggest challenge. It’s not watered down. It’s just different. I show up, speak up, and keep going even when people don’t get it. I don’t wait for a seat at the table; I build my own table and invite others to join me. And I work with others within the adaptive fitness space, and we collaborate, because we understand that working together gets us farther than trying to do everything on our own.
5. Can you describe the process of developing adaptive workouts for the Planet Fitness App? What considerations were made to ensure inclusivity?
I wanted to make sure everyone could do these workouts. Seated or standing. With or without equipment. I kept it simple, safe, and strong. We focused on clear instructions and options for different levels. It’s all about removing the fear and making people feel welcome.
6. How do you tailor fitness programs for individuals with varying levels of mobility, particularly those with O.I.?
It starts with listening. Then we adapt. I offer seated and standing moves. I keep the impact low and the movement right in line with each person’s individual ability. I focus on control, not speed. Mind to muscle connection is of top priority! Every move has a purpose. We build confidence first, then the body follows.
7. What common misconceptions do people have about adaptive fitness, and how do you address them in your coaching?
People think it’s “less than.” Or that you have to be able-bodied to get strong. That’s wrong. I show what’s possible. I bring the energy. I meet people where they’re at. And I remind them: you don’t have to be perfect to start, you just have to be willing. And we have fun along the way. If it’s not fun, nobody will stick with it.
8. Through your #OILife initiative, you’ve built a supportive community for those with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. What inspired you to start this, and what impact has it had?
#OILife started as a YouTube channel. I wanted to ask questions, share info, and spotlight other people with O.I.—not just talk about the medical stuff, but the lifestyle. What it’s really like to live with O.I. every day.
Then I created the monthly #OILife GROUP meetings. I knew we needed a safe space to talk about it all. The real stuff. And we didn’t have that before.
The impact has been huge. The YouTube channel has over 1,000 subscribers. The monthly GROUP brings in 15–25 people every time. But the best part has been when someone shows up and says, “This is the first time I’ve ever met someone else with O.I.” That’s what it’s all about: connection, community, and knowing you’re not alone.
9. As an author, speaker, and DJ, how do you integrate your diverse talents to advocate for disability awareness and inclusion?
I use every tool I have. My words, my story, my mixes. Whether I’m writing a book or making people move with music, I’m sending the same message: this life is yours. Own it. Move with it. Dance through it. You’re not less. You’re just different. And that’s dope!
10. What advice would you give to fitness professionals aiming to create more inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities?
Don’t assume. Ask. Listen. Learn. Include people with disabilities in the conversation, the training, and the content. Representation matters. If you’re not sure how, hire someone like me, who knows. It’s time.
11. Can you share a success story from your coaching experience that highlights the transformative power of adaptive fitness?
Most clients, when they first start with me, are three things: motivated, but unsure and scared. But I know exactly how to get them moving safely and powerfully. One of my Stronger Bones Coaching Group clients said, “I’m able to walk on my own again without the crutches and walker for the better part of my day, plus my strength just doing everyday things has improved.” That was after working with me for three months. That’s the power right there.
12. How do you envision the future of adaptive fitness, and what role do you see technology playing in it?
The future is accessible, everywhere, and on-demand. Tech helps us reach more people. Apps, AI, wearables; when done right, they remove barriers. But the heart of it stays the same: human connection and showing up for yourself.
13. What personal fitness goals are you currently pursuing, and how do they align with your advocacy work?
I’m working on more strength, stability, and endurance. I’m currently doing a program that has me engaging in movement every day of the week! And it’s not just for me, but to keep showing people what’s possible. My body is the message. Every time I move, I’m proving something.
14. How can individuals without disabilities become better allies and supporters of adaptive fitness initiatives?
Start by seeing us. Then share space with us. Speak up for us. But most of all, listen to us. Real allyship means action. It means showing up even when it’s not easy or trending.
15. What’s next for you in your mission to promote adaptive fitness and empower the O.I. community? Any upcoming projects or goals you’d like to share?
Right now, I’m focused on growing the #UNBREAKABLE MOVEMENT framework. This gives everyone a way to work with me, no matter where they’re starting from.
There’s the Energy Elevator, my weekly live virtual adaptive workout. The #UNBREAKABLE BODY membership offers on-demand workouts and a supportive community. And the Stronger Bones Coaching Group brings coaching, accountability, and real results.
I’m also teaming up with organizations that are sponsoring people to join my programs. Donors are coming on board too, because they see the power in what we’re doing. The goal is simple. Get more people with O.I. and other bone health conditions moving in the right way, safely and consistently.
On the O.I. side, the monthly #OILife GROUP meetings are going strong. And I’m planning to host the first in-person #OILife event within the next year or two. It’s time to bring the community together in a new way.
To see all the ways you can work with me, visit www.tonyjacobsen.com/coaching.
To get connected with #OILife, head to www.myoilife.com.
You can see our interview video from 6 years ago. His personality is everything! Youtube video
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Comments
Tony, your journey is truly inspiring.
Your achievements are not only impressive but life-changing. Through your self-discovery and commitment to self-care, you’ve opened doors for countless people who may have never thought about exercising or living a healthier lifestyle.
I’m motivated and encouraged by your bold attitude, strong mindset, and genuine personality. You’re empowering so many to live strong, unbreakable lives.
Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished—your hard work and dedication have made a real difference in the lives of many.
Ah, this was a great article, bro. Love what you are doing with adaptive fitness. This is surely something we can all benefit from, especially us OI”ers.