Built for all, on purpose.
Echo Motion is an adaptive gym in Pasadena where every body belongs. A special education teacher built it so athletes of all abilities could get strong, have fun and feel proud of what they can do.
Available Hours
Open 7 days a week, 9am–8pm
Regional Center vendor # PP3585
San Gabriel/PomonaELARCLanterman
From the classroom to the weight room
For more than 20 years, Melissa Schaffer taught special education in Southern California including Arcadia Unified School District and Glendale Unified School District. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders, with coursework in Adapted Physical Education.
She’s also a lifelong athlete who has coached high school sports and competes in powerlifting. Melissa is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach. Bringing those two worlds together became the idea for Echo Motion: a gym where athletes with disabilities get the same quality of coaching as anyone else, in a space designed around them.
In September 2025, she got the keys to an empty storefront on Colorado Boulevard. “At the time, it was just an empty space and a big dream,” she says. Today the gym is full of athletes, coaches, and families who show up for each other.
What started as an empty building has become so much more than a gym. It has become a place where people of all abilities can feel welcomed, supported, and empowered.
Melissa Schaffer
Strength, belonging & motion for all
We promote physical well-being, encourage a positive self-image and build real social connection, in a gym that’s accessible from the moment you walk in.
- Every body belongs.
- Excercises start from what each athlete can do today.
- Real training, real progress.
- Have fun.
- Build each other up.
The Echo Motion difference
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Coaching rooted in special education
Our founder spent two decades teaching special education, and she mentors the coaching team who each have a background in special education and physical fitness training. Sessions use clear directions, visual supports and lots of encouragement, the way a great classroom does.
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A sensory-friendly gym
A calm, predictable space.
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Small by design
Group classes have up to four athletes per coach, and private sessions are one-on-one. Everyone gets seen, every session.
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No waitlist, 7 days a week
Book a free consultation and start training right away, with weekday, after-school and weekend sessions, 9am–8pm.
What a session looks like
- Warm up. Every session starts the same way, so athletes know what’s coming. A visual schedule on the board shows the plan.
- Lift. Strength work matched to each athlete, using barbells, kettlebells, sleds and boxes, with adaptations as needed.
- Play. Games that build coordination, turn-taking and teamwork, and make the hard work fun.
- Be proud. We finish by celebrating progress, from a first deadlift to a new personal record.
Sensory & communication supports
- Visual schedules and the same routine every session
- Coaches who learn how each athlete communicates
- Communication devices, braces and support items welcome
- Pace set by the athlete, with breaks when needed
- Parents and caregivers welcome to stay
- Small groups: up to 4 athletes per coach
Meet the coaches
A team of certified trainers led by a 20-year special education teacher.
Melissa Schaffer
Founder & CoachNASM Certified Personal TrainerUSA Weightlifting Level 1 CoachMaster's in Special EducationPrograms Private 1:1 · Small group · Virtual
Tiara
CoachNASM Certified Personal TrainerNASM Certified Nutrition CoachPhDPrograms Private 1:1 · Small group
Desiree
Yoga & Movement Coach[TBD: yoga certification]Programs Small group
Rudy
Strength & Conditioning Coach[TBD: credentials]CSULBPrograms Private 1:1 · Small group
Every athlete deserves access to high-quality coaching and fitness opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do your trainers have?
All of our coaches have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and are certified in adaptive fitness. Many of our coaches also have advanced degrees in special education and behavior health and have worked in the classroom as support staff.
How do you handle safety, including meltdowns, falls, transfers and physical touch?
Safety comes first in every session. Coaches modify exercises to each athlete’s abilities and give them space and time to regulate during hard moments. We always ask before using hands-on support.
What is adaptive fitness?
Adaptive fitness is exercise designed for people with disabilities. Equipment, movements and coaching are adjusted to each person’s body and needs. At Echo Motion, we focus on strength, balance, coordination, mobility, endurance, and the everyday movement skills that build independence.
What’s your story and mission, and are you a nonprofit?
Melissa spent more than 20 years as a special education teacher. She created Echo Motion to build a space where athletes of all abilities can thrive. Our mission is to empower people with developmental and other disabilities to become more physically active and live healthy, balanced lives. Echo Motion Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we also create paid jobs and job training for people with disabilities and social events for families and caregivers.
Is the facility fully accessible?
Yes, we have fully accessible entrances, space around equipment, restrooms and parking.
Get in touch
Tell us a little about who’s training and a coach will reach out to set up a free 30-minute consultation.
- Your first consultation is free
- We’ll reply within 24 hours, or sooner.
- Prefer to talk? Call or text (626) 344-8562
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Every Gift Counts
Echo Motion Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that makes fitness accessible to the disability community. We also create paid jobs and job training for disabled people.
Every gift goes toward:
- New adaptive sports programs
- Paid jobs and training for people with disabilities
- Adaptive fitness equipment
- Social events for caregivers
Visit us
Pasadena
- Address
- 3124 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107 - Phone
- (626) 344-8562 (call or text)
Find us: On Colorado Blvd, across from Target and next door to Red Wing Shoes.
Come train with us.
Your first consultation is free. Meet a coach, see the gym and plan your first session.