Special Olympian Inspires Others to Get Fit and Test Their Limit

CHICAGO, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 22-year-old, 5-foot-tall Marc Isabel is quite a celebrity at Charter Fitness of Sycamore. In fact, he is an inspiration to people to test their own limit. 

Marc, who has Down Syndrome, plays in a Special Olympics soccer team called "The Ice Cubes" which represents DeKalb County in competitions across Illinois. His soccer coach, Mary Forest, works as the general manager of Charter Fitness of Sycamore where Marc and his mother have been members since 2007.

"Three days a week, Marc comes in and does his routine of cardio and a variety of weights, while his mom, Jeanne, trains in our personal-training program," said Mary.

Marc works very hard to be an athlete. He is extremely strong, and impresses everyone with how much weight he is able to lift.

When Marc comes into the club, the entire atmosphere changes. Yelling his signature "Hubba! Hubba!" Marc goes around fist-bumping everyone to get them pumped up. Everyone at this Charter Fitness location knows Marc and his mother. As Marc does his routine, the other members cheer him on, inspired by this young man to push themselves to the limit.

"Coaching Special Olympic athletes has taught me so much. Most importantly, they have taught me how insignificant excuses are. They have taught me perseverance and drive.  Lastly, they have shown me that limitations are not something that should stand in the way of reaching your fitness goals!" said Mary.

Touched by Marc's love for fitness, Charter Fitness is hiring him to work part-time at the club, in addition to offers of free months of membership for him and personal training sessions for his mother.

"To feel inspired to get fit, one only needs to visit our Sycamore club and spend some time in Marc's presence," said Dan Collins, Director of Sales, Charter Fitness.

Marc's DeKalb, IL-based soccer team "Ice Cubes" will be competing in the Special Olympics Soccer Regionals on Saturday, May 5th, 2012, at Harlem High School in Machesney Park, IL, for a chance to advance to the Special Olympics State Soccer Tournament in Normal, IL.

"Marc is training hard and determined to help his team advance to the next round," said Mary.

About Charter Fitness Franchising LLC

Based in Orland Park, IL, Charter Fitness Franchising LLC is a health club franchise with over 40 locations in six states.  Charter Fitness health clubs offer members a clean, comfortable and convenient workout experience with best-in-class fitness equipment for as low as $10 per month. Charter Fitness strongly believes in community involvement and is a member of the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).  http://www.CharterFitness.com

SOURCE Charter Fitness