Open Hearts Featured in WLOS Story: Bloom Fitness empowers people with disabilities through exercise

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Participants gather at the Open Hearts Art Center in Asheville for Bloom Fitness, an exercise program structured for people with developmental disabilities. Watch the joy-filled video here!

It’s a program founded by John Watson, whose daughter is developmentally challenged.

“We found that when they get out of high school, there’s nothing for them (disabled community)," said Watson. "So, me and my wife said, 'hey let’s start a fitness program,' and that’s all we had planned.”

Partnership coordinator, Beryl Bailey leads a Bloom Fitness class at the Open Hearts Art Center in Asheville, N.C. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

Now a popular program in multiple states, Bloom Fitness is something participants look forward to as a way to connect with friends and have fun.

“I like being with friends and dancing” said participant Alex Pott.

The class News 13 attended was a chair exercise class, which started slowly with stretches and shoulder rolls, but quickly many were out of their seats dancing and clapping.

Bloom Fitness is one of the many activities available for the developmentally disabled at Open Hearts Art Center, as well as art and craft classes.

Learn more about Bloom Fitness here.