SUMMER RECAP, ASL SHRED & DEAF AWARENESS MONTH!
What an incredible, high-energy summer it has been! Our Deaf Boot Camp was a massive success, and we couldn't be prouder of this amazing community. Every deaf bootcamp, you showed up, put in the work, and brought unmatched energy to every session.
Looking back across the summer, what made these boot camps so special wasn't just the workouts—it was seeing everyone connect, share non-stop laughter, and support one another with huge smiles on their faces. You proved that when we come together, the vibe is completely unstoppable!
Announcing: ASL Shred!
(Deaf Small Group Training)
We are keeping this momentum rolling right into the fall! Starting the Saturday after Labor Day weekend, we are launching our official Deaf Small Group Training program: ASL Shred.
The Details:
Program Name: ASL Shred
When: Every Saturday, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Starting after Labor Day)
Who Can Join:EVERYONE is welcome! No matter your fitness level—whether you are stepping into a gym for the first time or are a seasoned athlete.
Our Inclusive Community: This space is built for the entire community—Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HoH), CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), interpreters, and new signers who want to learn, move, and connect!
Why Train in ASL Shred with a Deaf Coach?
Having training led directly by a Deaf coach creates a safe, comfortable, and fully accessible space where nothing is lost in translation. There are no communication barriers—just clear instruction, direct visual cues, and full inclusion. You can focus 100% on your movement, confidence, and growth. Expanding accessibility, representation, and safety in fitness has always been a core goal, and ASL Shred is designed to feel like home.
September is Deaf Awareness Month: History & Importance 🤟🏼
September is a deeply important month for us as we celebrate Deaf Awareness Month. This dedicated time honors Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), history, and the achievements of the Deaf community worldwide.
Where Did It Come From? (A Quick History)
The roots of Deaf Awareness Month trace back to September 1958, when theWorld Federation of the Deaf (WFD) launched the first International Day of the Deaf in Rome, Italy. Over time, this single day grew into International Week of the Deaf (celebrated during the last full week of September) and eventually expanded into Deaf Awareness Month across the globe. September also includes the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23rd.
Educating & Demystifying Deaf Culture
Part of Deaf Awareness Month is helping the hearing community learn how to be true allies and understand Deaf culture:
Deaf Etiquette 101: Want to get a Deaf person's attention? A gentle tap on the shoulder, a light wave in their visual field, or flickering the lights in a room works great. Avoid shouting, which doesn't help and distorts speech for lip-reading!
Facial Expressions are Grammar: In ASL, facial expressions aren't just extra emotion—they are a core part of the grammar and sentence structure!
Speak to the Person, Not the Interpreter: When communicating through an ASL interpreter, always make direct eye contact and speak directly to the Deaf individual, not the interpreter.
Why It Matters to Us in Fitness
For us, fitness is a powerful platform for awareness. Too often, society makes false assumptions about what Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals can accomplish.
We are here to smash those misconceptions.
We are not weak. We are strong, fully capable, and unstoppable.
Fitness builds connection: Beyond physical health, fitness builds confidence, creates vital social networks, and gives hearing participants a welcoming environment to learn sign language and build meaningful friendships.
It’s about community: It is truly the greatest atmosphere to grow, move, and thrive together.
Fun Facts About Deaf Culture & ASL
ASL is Not Visual English: American Sign Language is a rich, natural language with its own distinct grammar, syntax, and sentence structure—it is not just word-for-word English translated into hand signs!
Sign Language isn't Universal: Just as spoken languages differ globally, sign languages do too. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) and ASL are completely different languages!
Over 90% of Deaf Children: More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, making community spaces and access to ASL critical for lifelong connection and culture.
Brain Power: Using sign language engages both hemispheres of the brain, boosting visual-spatial processing and reaction time!
Learn More & Get Involved
Want to dive deeper into Deaf history, advocacy, and culture? Check out these organizations:
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — America's premier civil rights organization of, by, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) — An international non-governmental organization representing millions of Deaf people globally.
Save the Date: HUGE Deaf Boot Camp Event Coming Soon!
To celebrate Deaf Awareness Month in style, we are hosting another HUGE Deaf Boot Camp Event this September!
We want to gather the entire community—Deaf, HoH, CODAs, interpreters, and allies—for an unforgettable workout, connection, and celebration to prove what our community is capable of achieving together.
Stay tuned for official dates and registration details coming very soon—you won't want to miss this!
Ready to Join ASL Shred?
How to Register: Download Mindbody!
Ready to claim your spot in ASL Shred or our upcoming Deaf Boot Camp Event? Signing up is super easy! Simply download the Mindbody app on your phone, search for our gym, and reserve your spot in class.
Step 1: Download Mindbody from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Search for our gym name.
Step 3: Find ASL Shred on Saturdays at 12:00 PM and tap Book!
Come be a part of our growing fitness family! Grab your workout gear, bring a friend, and join us for ASL Shred on Saturdays from 12–1 PM starting right after Labor Day.
Let’s move, connect, and celebrate togetherness! 🤟🏼💪🏼