A Local Spotlight on Adaptive Fitness and Neuro-Focused Care
We’re proud to share that Push to Walk was recently featured on Montvale in Motion, a local public television program in Montvale, New Jersey. In this inspiring segment, co-founder Cynthia Templeton sat down with host Tony Salerno to talk about how our nonprofit has been transforming lives through adaptive fitness, neuro-focused care, and activity-based training for people living with paralysis and mobility challenges.
A Personal Story Turned Purpose-Driven Mission
Push to Walk was born out of a life-changing moment. Cynthia and her husband founded the organization after their son Darren sustained a spinal cord injury at age 18. Following traditional inpatient and outpatient rehab, Darren was still seeking more — something long-term, intensive, and focused on full-body strength and independence.
When the family discovered an innovative exercise program in California, it sparked the idea that became Push to Walk. Since 2007, we’ve been offering one-of-a-kind adaptive training programs in New Jersey, now proudly located in Montvale.
“There was nothing like this in New Jersey… so we created it.” – Cynthia Templeton
What Makes Push to Walk Different?
While traditional rehab focuses on short-term medical recovery, Push to Walk steps in with functional training, mobility training, and wellness programs that are:
- Neuro-focused: We work to retrain the brain and nervous system through weight-bearing movement, full-body exercise, and repetition.
- Individualized: Every session is one-on-one, led by a dedicated adaptive exercise specialist.
- Ongoing: We complement — not replace — traditional rehab. Many clients begin with physical therapy and continue with our programs for long-term strength and wellness.
- Holistic: Our focus is not just on physical conditioning, but also on emotional health, community, and independence.
Transformative Results Through Adaptive Exercise
During the interview, Cynthia shared powerful stories of progress and healing:
- A man with a spinal cord injury who hadn’t left his home in years found the confidence and strength to re-enter public life.
- One of our first clients, diagnosed with transverse myelitis at age 12, came to Push to Walk with limited hope. Years later, he graduated from college, began a career, got married, and now lives independently.
- Another client, who suffered a traumatic fall, came to us after multiple surgeries and was unsure if he’d walk again. Today, he’s taking steps with a leg brace and walker — a testament to perseverance, adaptive fitness, and personalized care.
“From regaining the ability to sit upright to walking again, every milestone matters.
Big or small, we celebrate them all.”
A Nonprofit Committed to Accessibility and Health & Wellness
Push to Walk is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. While most insurance plans don’t cover adaptive training programs, we’re committed to keeping our services as accessible and affordable as possible.
Here’s how we make it work:
- Client fees are subsidized through grants, events, and generous donations.
- We assist clients with personal fundraising efforts.
- Our team hosts community events that support our mission and help close the funding gap.
Your donations help us bridge the space between what clients can afford and the care they need.
Visit Us in Montvale, NJ
We welcome individuals, families, and community supporters to tour our state-of-the-art adaptive fitness facility. Whether you’re exploring options for neuro-focused care, mobility training, or a long-term health and wellness program after a spinal cord injury, we’re here to help.
Looking for neuro-focused rehab in New Jersey?
Contact Push to Walk to schedule a tour or learn more about our adaptive training programs.
Final Thoughts
We’re grateful to Montvale in Motion and Tony Salerno for spotlighting the life-changing work happening at Push to Walk. It’s our mission to help individuals build strength, confidence, and community through adaptive training that goes beyond limits.
