Brad Jones on Overcoming Setbacks and Thriving at Life Time

See Brad’s Top 3 Takeaways

When I rolled into the Life Time in Frisco, Texas, in June 2022, I didn’t know what to expect. As a paraplegic who’d been using a wheelchair for 32 years, I felt limited in most gyms. At the least, I hoped to find an upper-body ergometer (a.k.a. an arm bike) and a swimming pool with a lift. I was excited to discover that the club had both.

From the start, the club felt different from other gyms. I could sense how supportive and encouraging the community was, even on the tour. I felt welcome and seen.

This feeling deepened when I made eye contact with a personal trainer who gave me a smile and a look that said, I can help this guy. I was startled — I hadn’t met a personal trainer who had experience working with people in wheelchairs — but something about her struck me. I learned her name was Sarah Winchester and immediately set up a training session with her.

It turned out Sarah had taught adapted physical education, coached Special Olympics athletes, and worked with wounded veterans. Her extensive experience with adaptive training was just what I’d been looking for.

In addition, her passion was palpable. When she looked at me, she saw my capabilities rather than my disability. It felt like a door was opening.

After three decades of feeling restricted in terms of fitness, I was ready to explore what I could do beyond the handcycle and pool.

A Long Fall

I grew up in Madison, Wis., playing football, basketball, golf — I’d jump into any sport. I learned a lot about fitness from my uncle John, who manufactured weightlifting equipment. I remained active into my 20s, when I began working construction.

That all changed in February 1990, when, at 24, I was injured at a worksite. I was setting roof trusses on a new bank office outside of Milwaukee. When the trusses collapsed, I fell 25 feet onto concrete. I broke my back and was instantly paralyzed.

I knew I was never going to walk or run again after the accident. Even so, I felt OK mentally while I was in the hospital. The environment was accessible for people in wheelchairs, and the community there was really supportive.

When I returned home, however, the reality of how much my life had changed hit me hard. I realized that not all buildings are accessible, doorways often aren’t wide enough, and streets and sidewalks are difficult to navigate. I learned to adapt, but it was tough. My mental health declined.

Fitness was a struggle too. Thanks to my uncle John, I knew how to exercise in a gym. But things were so different now. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t watch my diet either; I consumed fast food, soda, and chips and dip the way I always had.

The Same Old Cycle

A couple of years later, I found a company that built a handcycle: a tricycle powered by the arms rather than the legs. This was great because I needed to do more cardiovascular exercise and gain strength in my arms, which would help me get in and out of my chair more easily.

In 1995, I moved to Texas and built a house with a pool. I hit the gym regularly with a good friend, Chad, using free weights and machines I could transfer onto for upper-body work. I kept in decent shape. It felt like a turning point.

I sustained this momentum until 2001, when I fell and broke my leg while transitioning from my wheelchair to my office chair. Making matters worse, I developed a severe pressure wound from the cast, leaving me bedridden for three months.

After recovering, I struggled to start and maintain a fitness routine again. The resulting muscle loss and weight gain made it harder for me to get around.

As the years passed, my shoulders and elbows were under incredible strain. I experienced substantial back pain, so it was painful to sit in my chair for long periods of time.

By early 2022, I knew something had to change. I was tired of repeating the same cycle, in which I tried and failed to meet my goals. It was taking a toll on me mentally and physically.

I needed a coach, someone who could help me find better ways to move and fuel myself. That’s when I found Life Time and Sarah.

Challenge Accepted

When Sarah and I started working together, the first thing she wanted to address was my back pain. She saw how weak I was in my core — which can contribute to back pain — so strengthening that became our first priority. We started using bands, battle ropes, and weighted medicine balls.

Within two weeks I noticed that I could sit in my chair longer. I was transferring myself with more stability. I had more energy. I was excited to do stuff again. The progress was promising.

Still, when Sarah after a few weeks mentioned the 60day Challenge, I laughed. I wasn’t even close to being ready for something like that.

Sarah was smart, though. She let it be for a few days, then brought it up again. This time, I considered how much I had accomplished over the previous two months. I figured, Why not?

The 60day Challenge started in September. My goals were to eat more-nutritious meals, establish a consistent workout routine, and lose weight.

The numerous recipes provided by Life Time were a huge help on the nutrition front. I never had to eat anything twice if I didn’t want to. I continued working with Sarah, who gave me ­additional nutrition advice and kept my workouts interesting.

For example, she encouraged me to try pickleball and Pilates. Although I was initially skeptical, I took to both. Pickleball quickly became one of my favorite activities. It’s such a fun way to get moving and socialize with others. Pilates surprised me too — it’s a more intense workout than I expected.

Throughout the Challenge, the ­furthest thing from my mind was ­winning. I was focused on using the structure of the program to progress toward my goals.

It paid off — I ­remained consistent with my workouts and meal plan, which helped me build muscle, increase my range of motion, and lose weight. Other people noticed my progress as well, and to my surprise, I was selected as one of 20 finalists.

Beyond the Win

Heading to the club on the day the winners were announced, I reflected on how far I had come. I wanted to be with Sarah when I got the news because she had been such a big part of my journey. I wanted to let her know how much she had helped me.

The moment I rolled through the doors, cannons of confetti went off and air horns blew — I was one of four national winners! Nearly every staff member was there in the entryway to celebrate. I was completely overwhelmed and so honored. At that time, it was the most surreal thing that had ever happened to me. I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life.

I’ve gained a new excitement for life. I’m eager to continue my journey toward becoming the best possible version of me.

I’m grateful to Sarah for opening my eyes to a new and healthy way of life, and for providing invaluable guidance and support. Winning the 60day Challenge demonstrated to me that my only limitations are those I place on myself, and I couldn’t have reached this point without her.

Today, I’m 58 and feel better than I have in years. Most important, I’ve gained a new excitement for life. I’m eager to continue my journey toward becoming the best possible version of me, with the confidence that I can accomplish more than I ever dreamed I could.

Brad’s Top 3 Takeaways

1. Good nutrition matters. “You can spend 12 hours a day in the gym, but you won’t get healthier if you fill your body with junk,” Brad says.
2. Sweat the small stuff. “Fitness technology tracks micro measurements that keep me motivated.”
3. Community creates accountability. “As I worked with Sarah, other staff offered words of encouragement. Fellow members would too. When I didn’t feel like going to the club, I knew those people would be looking for me,” he says. (Workout partners can help you stay committed to fitness and have fun. Here’s what you need to know to form an active relationship that gets results.)

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