From the intro to a feature in the
Dallas Morning News. In the picture, Brian Crull helps Ryan Smith lift a set of dumb bells along with fellow young adults with disabilities at Crull's gym in Richardson., Texas.
Twice a week, Crull Fitness turns into a magic factory of sorts, and Brian Crull into the tough-guy, heart-of-gold, make-'em-laugh magician.
Crull doesn't care if his 2 p.m. group bounces, shuffles or scoots into the door of his Richardson gym. No biggie whether they wear shorts or blue jeans, sneakers, or sandals with socks.
He just wants them to become what nobody else has ever called them: athletes."If you treat someone like a 5-year-old, they're going to act like a 5-year-old," says Crull, co-owner of the facility. "If you treat them like they're special ed, they're going to act like they are.
"We treat them as athletes. We challenge them: Be a champ. Work hard."
The dozen or so young adults range in age from 21 to 43. They come from My Possibilities, a Plano day program for special-needs adults. Some have Down syndrome or cerebral palsy; others are autistic or have had head injuries.
What brings them here for two hours a week doesn't particularly matter. What does is that Ryan Smith, who initially relied on a walker inside the gym, now leaves it in the car. Or that Richard Wells, who told the coach he had a problem with balance, now fast-walks treadmills with confidence.
"They get dexterity, follow-through, happiness," says Reggie Spearman, a My Possibilities instructor. Coach Crull "is a blessing, the way he deals with what they need. Look at them! My God, how wonderful!"
When they arrive at the gym, they sign in, just like any member. Crull greets them with high-fives, with "How are ya man?" and "Love ya man!" Then each gets on a treadmill and begins warming up.
From the intro to a feature in the Dallas Morning News. In the picture, Brian Crull helps Ryan Smith lift a set of dumb bells along with fellow young adults with disabilities at Crull's gym in Richardson., Texas.