Special Olympics Train 4 Life program shows significant, sustained success

Athletes demonstrate progress in five health categories

Special Olympics Indiana athletes who took part in the Train 4 Life program during the past two years are showing improvements in strength and endurance while sustaining lost weight and a lower body-mass index, according to research by Vanderbilt University.

Train 4 Life focuses on fitness, nutrition, and mental health for Special Olympics athletes ages 13 and older. The 12-week program includes pre- and post-program biometric and fitness testing, group workouts, weekly nutrition, and healthy lifestyle education. By developing these healthy choices within individuals, the program allows athletes to see measured outcomes and continue good habits throughout their lifetimes.

Studies have shown that nearly three-quarters of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and half of youth with ID are overweight or obese. People with ID are four times more likely to acquire Type 2 diabetes, and a quarter of them have low bone density. More than half have hypertension, all of which result an average life expectancy nearly 20 years shorter than those without intellectual disabilities.

Vanderbilt University is monitoring Train 4 Life programs in 17 states, including Indiana. Researchers recently released the following data based on the two-year program:

• 58 percent increase in endurance
• 48 percent increase in strength
• 69 percent increase in power
• 64 percent of participants sustained weight loss
• 59 percent of participants sustained drop in body-mass index

“Train 4 Life is transforming lives by giving our athletes the knowledge, confidence and healthy habits they need to thrive for years to come,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “The Vanderbilt University research confirms what we’ve seen firsthand: When people with intellectual disabilities have access to high-quality fitness, nutrition and wellness programming, they become stronger, healthier and more independent. At Special Olympics Indiana, we are committed to expanding Train 4 Life so more athletes across the state can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

Nearly 200 Hoosier athletes took part in Train 4 Life in 2026 with the fall session scheduled to begin the week of Aug. 17. Special Olympics Indiana operates Train 4 Life at facilities in 12 communities with plans to expand to more in 2027. The 2026 facilities are:

• Batesville, Iron Yokes
• Fort Wayne, Mad Apple Fitness
• Greensburg, Reclaim Fitness Center
• Greenwood, Three Cord Fitness
• Highland, Heavy Metal Fitness
• Indianapolis, Day Won
• Mount Vernon (Posey County), Mount Vernon Fire Department
• Muncie, Warner Fit (Studio 22)
• Noblesville, CrossFit HSE
• Plainfield, Unbreakable Athletics Academy
• Terre Haute, Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST)
• West Lafayette, France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center

Learn more about Train 4 Life at SOIindiana.org/train-4-life.

Special Olympics Indiana uses sport, health, education, and leadership programs to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. With more than 20,000 athletes and Unified partners, the organizations uses sport as a catalyst for social change, exposing inequity and highlighting the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities to break down misconceptions and negative attitudes.