FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, CA — Special Strong, a leading Adaptive Fitness franchise dedicated to serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, today announced the launch of Special Strong across the greater Sacramento region under franchise owners John and April Davila. The husband-and-wife team will serve these territories: Lincoln and North Natomas, and Central and West Sacramento.
Certified Special Strong Trainers, John and April specialize in custom fitness programs built around each client’s unique strengths, goals, and needs. For the Davilas, the mission is deeply personal. They are the parents of two teenagers: their daughter, Daniella, an avid volleyball player, and their son, Dante, who has Down syndrome.
“Special Strong was the only business that allowed us to combine our passion as parents with our purpose as owners to build a truly inclusive space.”
— John and April Davila, Franchise Owners, Special Strong Lincoln and North Natomas, Central and West Sacramento
Driven by the belief that Dante deserves the exact same opportunities as his sister when it comes to fitness, the Davilas set out to create an environment where he could truly thrive. A naturally social young man, Dante excelled once given the chance to train with the right support — an experience that boosted not just his physical strength, but his self-assurance and joy in training alongside others in a traditional gym setting. That transformation inspired John and April to expand access to families across their community.
Honoring Every “Inch Stone”
John and April describe their philosophy as honoring every “inch stone” along the way and remaining “at peace with the pace” of each individual athlete — focusing on progress, independence, and self-assurance over standard metrics. That approach, paired with Special Strong’s neurodivergent-focused, faith-based training framework, gave them the confidence to move forward.
“Traditional gyms often lack the specialized knowledge to adapt workouts safely, while clinical settings can feel rigid,” the Davilas said. “Special Strong sits in the sweet spot — a real gym environment with expert, individualized coaching.”
Special Strong Lincoln and North Natomas and Special Strong Central and West Sacramento serve the Lincoln, North Natomas, Central Sacramento, and West Sacramento communities.
About Special Strong
Founded in 2016, Special Strong provides adaptive fitness training for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Through its rapidly growing franchise model, Special Strong empowers communities to offer inclusive fitness programs that improve health, build confidence, and promote independence. With a foundation built on faith and service, Special Strong continues to expand nationwide, making a lasting impact one life at a time.
