Recognitions
Cerebral Palsy is No Match for
This Planet Fitness Member
Dwayne Boyd has been a member of the Leominster, Massachusetts, Planet Fitness since 2015.
A
18
fter a series of unfortunate events
in 2015, Dwayne Boyd decided to
sign up for a gym membership at his
local Leominster, Massachusetts, Planet
Fitness®. And while he may have picked
the gym for its affordable price and great
location, it’s the Judgement Free Zone®
that keeps him coming back.
“I had a lot coming down on me, and
I needed to do something positive,” said
Boyd in a video interview with Sentinel &
Enterprise News. “So I started coming to
the gym, and you get a natural endorphin
rush and it feels good. You see people
coming in and out of here, and it looks
like they took happy pills. They wave to
you, and they’re friendly. This place does
something to you.”
Dwayne Boyd was diagnosed with
cerebral palsy when he was 6 months
old. For almost his entire life, Boyd has
relied on crutches to get around and has
had limited mobility in his arms. Despite
being a quadriplegic, at the age of 44,
Boyd found the motivation and energy
to make a difference with his life and
now visits PF® about three times a week.
Since first signing up, Boyd has
never required any assistance from Planet
Fitness staff and has been dedicated to
his workout regimen.
“Dwayne’s hard work and dedication
inspires the staff and members to work
hard to reach their goals,” said Erin
Hillman, club manager for the Tristan
Enterprises location, which is owned by
Shane Poirier. “He motivates everyone
every time he comes in with his positive
attitude and energy.”
Boyd first came into the gym
working on only three upper body
machines and core exercises, but has
progressed since then and is now able to
exercise 10 minutes at a time on the Arc
Trainer.
“Dwayne is a perfect example of why
myself and many other staff members
do what we do every day,” said regional
manager Kirsten Johnson. “He reminds
us that what we do can change people’s
lives.” G