At a recent Pistons game, Mark Ralko, a personal trainer at the Birmingham Family YMCA, was recognized as a Detroit Pistons Game Changer for the incredible work he is doing in the community. Game Changers are the everyday people making a difference within their communities through service, leadership and volunteerism, and only a handful of people are selected for this recognition every year.
The recognition was a result of Mark’s story, which begins at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, four years ago. It was there that he, as a special education teacher with a focus on cognitive impairment, saw an opportunity to help kids with special needs in the autism spectrum disorder beyond the classroom.
Mark started training two students using simple exercises, such as running and stretching, which ultimately led to those students landing spots on the track team. Another student approached Mark, and he helped him earn a spot on the basketball team.
“I realized that there is a huge need for fitness training for people with special needs in the community, and particularly with children,” Mark said. “And I needed a place to go so I could make it happen.”
So he went to the Birmingham Family YMCA in 2012 and asked if he could begin training individuals with special needs. The response was overwhelming.
Two years later, Mark is booked solid with clients, mainly children with autism, who he trains at the Birmingham Y. The need became so great that he has trained additional staff to also work with both adults and children with special needs.
“There are over 20,000 individuals with special needs in Oakland County alone,” Mark said. “But there are not a lot of special needs programs in regards to fitness. From what I hear from parents of the kids I work with, there’s a ginormous need.”
Mark’s training is different than a typical personal training session. He focuses on social components and encourages his clients to interact with passersby by greeting them, introducing themselves, and making eye contact.
“I obviously teach the physical aspects of exercise, but what separates this from other programs is that I want kids to develop friendships, build self esteem and enhance their communication skills,” Mark said.
However, the physical component of Mark’s work also has profound physiological benefits. Exercise has been proven to reduce the symptoms of autism, such as hyperactivity and sensory overload.
Mark hopes that his story continues down the path it is on. Ultimately, his goal is to offer additional one-on-one training for individuals with special needs throughout Oakland County and eventually all of Southeast Michigan.