We’re always thrilled to see our products being used to create positive impacts. One of our customers, Willie Caldwell, has been doing exactly that for the past 10 years. From collegiate athlete to soldier to inventor, he has spent his life giving his all to every endeavor he pursues. In his current profession as a physical trainer he’s improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. Check out his story below.
“Mobility Fitness Institute began as Mobility Fitness Studios nearly 10 years ago. It was mostly a spinal cord injury recovery program at the time. Since then, we’ve expanded to work with clients who have Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy as well as amputees and stroke survivors.
Because of the wide range of resistance levels offered by MediCordz®, I can do serious strength training with clients, even those who have lost considerable strength from disease, illness or injury. If we get a person who just got out of the hospital and he or she can only lift one pound, we can begin with the resistance level. I’ve seen people go from the lightest to mid-range cords in six months and perform their exercises better.
Using the cords is more effective for clients. It stimulates the nervous system and muscles better than just lifting weights. The cords provide tension throughout the movement – both coming in and going out. While they’re performing that motion, they’re also building stability.
I approached Maureen years ago to create the cords in certain sizes that would be compatible with a machine I developed. It was designed to meet the needs of any of our clients. Someone in a wheelchair or motorized scooter can use it just as easily as someone standing. In fact, all of our strengthening machines use the cords that NZ created for us.
At our facility, we work one-on-one with all of our 50 clients anywhere from one to five times a week. It’s rewarding to see people using something that I built with my hands, and for that machine to be changing their lives. Sometimes we get clients who have already been through physical therapy and haven’t gotten the results they want. They come here and see a whole new realm of possibility.
The durability and versatility provided by NZ’s cords are directly connected to our work. We don’t push them to the limit, but we get the resistance we need out of them. Everyone who comes through the door uses the cords. They are the backbone of our company.”
Editor’s Note: Willie Caldwell is the founder, owner and president of Mobility Fitness Institute. He has been working with the disabled community as a certified personal trainer for the past 10 years.
