The Faces of INCLUSIVE FITNESS Train Unique Linden Munsell, Joseph Barras, and Damon Vincent PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY
T r rain Unique was built on the belief that fitness should be accessible to every ability. Founded by Damon Vincent, the adaptive fitness program is redefining what it means to train with pur- pose through expert coaching, specialized programming, and a deeply personal under- standing of resilience. Vincent, owner and founder of Train Unique, was diagnosed at age three with Congenital adrenal Hyperplasia, a rare disorder affecting metabolism, growth, and endocrine function. He shares that while it was a challenging childhood, sports and fitness ultimately transformed his life. In college, he became a
personal trainer. His path shifted when a nonprofit asked him to lead a special needs fitness class. What began as one boxing session in 2014 quickly grew into a full program serving athletes with disabilities, eventually becoming Train Unique in 2019. Today, Train Unique specializes in inclusive fitness environments where athletes with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other conditions train alongside neurotypical peers. Coaches receive advanced adaptive certifications covering safety, communication, and individ-
ualized programming, ensuring each athlete is supported in a way that meets their unique needs. The brand’s guiding philosophy, Vincent says, is “the hero’s journey,” reflecting the growth and transformation each athlete experiences. Train Unique offers both one-on-one person- al training and small group sessions, creating space for individualized attention while also fostering community connection and shared progress. For more information, visit wetrainunique. com/baton-rouge or call (337) 346-5115.
68 Faces & Places ® | Summer 2026
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