Exercise Connection

What Exercise Connection does

Exercise Connection is a Chicago-based private company founded in 2009 by David S. Geslak (Coach Dave) that develops and sells evidence-based tools, curricula, and certification products designed to enable fitness professionals, K-12 educators, and healthcare providers to deliver inclusive physical activity programs for individuals with autism and other disabilities. The company's core technology platform comprises three integrated product lines: the Exercise Buddy tablet application (featuring over 300 exercise visuals, 150 peer-led video models, and six evidence-based practices including video modeling and visual schedules); the Visual Exercise System (a color-coded library of over 400 physical and digital visual supports organized into themed packs such as Five Components, Sport, Yoga, Wheelchair, and Fitness Room); and the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate (a 14-hour, six-module ACSM NCCA-accredited specialty certification delivered through ACSM PathLMS at $649). Exercise Buddy is supported by nine independent peer-reviewed research studies, and Exercise Connection has secured endorsements from NYC District 75, the Chicago Innovation Award, and adoption of its certificate by 12 universities.

The business model combines a low-friction recurring software subscription (Exercise Buddy at $6/month or $54/year per license), one-time physical product sales across multiple priced packs (ranging from $119.95 for Dome Exercises to $1,323 for the Educator Pack), a one-time certification fee, and complementary low-priced educational resources (books, DVDs, Spanish-language guide, branded apparel). Go-to-market relies on direct e-commerce through the company website, free-trial lead capture for Exercise Buddy, demo-request inside sales for institutional accounts, content marketing via a blog and YouTube channel, and strategic partnerships with ACSM (credentialing) and NCHPAD (inclusive health resource distribution). Customer segmentation is vertical, organized around K-12 schools (adapted PE), fitness professionals (personal trainers, ACSM-certified exercise physiologists), healthcare providers (PTs, OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, recreational therapists), and parents/caregivers. Distribution is global (digital app, e-commerce shipping, ACSM PathLMS), with Coach Dave having consulted across 9 countries.

The company operates with a 1-10 person core team supplemented by advisors and specialists, is founder-owned and bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding, and runs through two Illinois entities (Exercise Connection, Corp. and Exercise Buddy, LLC). Notable strategic positions include the only ACSM NCCA-accredited autism exercise specialty certificate in the industry, a published body of work including the Autism Fitness Handbook (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), and an employment program that integrates autistic adults into its Visual Exercise System assembly operation.

Name

Exercise Connection

Legal name

Exercise Connection, Corp

Website

https://exerciseconnection.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Exercise Connection develops and sells evidence-based exercise tools, visual supports, and an ACSM-accredited certification that enable fitness professionals, K-12 educators, and healthcare providers to deliver inclusive physical activity programs for individuals with autism and disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Fitness Education for Autism and Disabilities

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Adaptive & Special Needs Personal Training (HSADAAAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Needs Skill-Building & Therapy Learning Apps (Autism, OT/PT, Life Skills) (EDAFAKAJ), Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM), Adaptive & Para-Sport Coaching (HSADAEAM)

Keywords

• Adaptive fitness tools
• Autism exercise programs
• Visual exercise systems
• Special needs PE
• Fitness professional certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Software/SaaS Subscription (Exercise Buddy App): Monthly ($6.00/license/month) and annual ($54.00/license/year) subscription plans for the Exercise Buddy tablet application. Supports unlimited workouts, profiles, and data tracking per license.
2. Physical Product Sales (Visual Exercise System): One-time purchase of printed visual exercise cards and systems in various packages: Fit Pro Pack ($1,220), Educator Pack ($1,323), Healthcare Pro Pack ($1,070), Wheelchair Exercises ($149.95), Yoga Package ($169.95), Sports Package ($529.95), Five Components ($769.95), Dome Exercises ($119.95), Fitness Room ($149.95), Dynamic Flexibility ($129.95), Three Package Special ($1,322.86).
3. Certification Program (Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate): One-time fee of $649.00 for the 14-hour ACSM-accredited specialty certificate program. Payment processed through ACSM PathLMS platform.
4. Educational Resources (Books, DVDs, Guides): One-time sales of Autism Fitness Handbook ($29.95), La Guía de Actividad Física de Autismo Spanish guide ($17.95), Exercise Connection DVD ($29.95), and Book & DVD Package ($56.90).
5. Merchandise: Branded apparel including 'Be Your Own Superhero' T-Shirt and 'Persistence, Not Perfection' T-Shirt sold through the online shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Exercise Connection sells evidence-based adaptive fitness tools and training designed for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Its core offerings are the Exercise Buddy tablet app (subscription-based visual exercise instruction with 300+ visuals and 150 video models), the Visual Exercise System (color-coded physical visual support packages sold through themed packs), and the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate (a 14-hour ACSM NCCA-accredited online certification for fitness, education, and healthcare professionals).

Product overview

Exercise Connection offers a platform of evidence-based autism-inclusive exercise solutions comprising three core products: the Exercise Buddy app (a tablet-based visual exercise technology), the Visual Exercise System (a color-coded visual support library with 400+ visuals), and the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate (an ACSM-accredited professional certification). The Visual Exercise System is sold through various themed packs (Healthcare Pro Pack, Educator Pack, Fit Pro Pack, Wheelchair Exercises, Yoga Package, Sports Package, Five Components, Dome Exercises, Fitness Room Exercises) and bundles (Three Package Special). Supporting resources include the Autism Fitness Handbook, Exercise Connection DVD, and Spanish-language guide. The Exercise Buddy app is available via monthly ($6/month) or annual ($54/year) subscription.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Exercise Buddy: A tablet-based app using evidence-based practices to empower individuals with autism and diverse learning styles in physical activity. Features over 300 exercises and peer-led videos.
• Visual Exercise System
• Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate

Products and services

• Exercise Buddy App A tablet-based subscription app using evidence-based practices to empower fitness pros, PE/APE teachers, and therapists in delivering physical activity to individuals with autism and diverse learning styles. Includes over 300 exercise visuals and 150 video models, with tools to create/save unlimited workouts, track progress, generate custom assessments, and monitor client/student performance. Distributed on iPad (iPadOS 13+), Mac (macOS 11+ with M1), Android (5.0+), and Chromebook.
• Visual Exercise System A color-coded visual support product line providing over 400 exercise and activity visuals, exercise schedules, countdown boards, and first-then boards designed to enhance communication and engagement for individuals with autism and diverse learners in physical activity programs. Sold via themed packs and bundles.
• Healthcare Pro Pack A Visual Exercise System bundle of 250+ visuals covering Five Components, Yoga, and Dynamic Flexibility packages, designed for healthcare professionals to integrate into therapy plans. Priced at $1,070.00.
• Educator Pack A Visual Exercise System bundle of 350+ visuals from Five Components, Sport, and Yoga, designed for educators teaching physical activities in gym, classroom, or hallway settings and aligned with curriculum. Priced at $1,323.00.
• Fit Pro Pack A Visual Exercise System bundle of 275+ visuals including Five Components, Fitness Room, Yoga, and Dynamic Flexibility packages for fitness professionals teaching foundational and functional exercises. Priced at $1,220.00.
• Wheelchair Exercises A Visual Exercise System package with 28 small visuals (2"x2"), 28 large visuals (8.5"x11"), a System Manual, 2 Exercise Schedules, 2 Countdown Boards, and 2 First-Then Boards, designed for individuals who use wheelchairs. Priced at $149.95.
• Sports Package A Visual Exercise System package of 127 small and 127 large visuals plus schedules, countdown boards, and first-then boards that breaks sports down into skills and activities. Priced at $529.95.
• Yoga Package A Visual Exercise System package of 31 small and 31 large yoga visuals plus an exercise story and matching/crossword worksheets using a calming blue color scheme. Priced at $169.95.
• Five Components with Bonus Abdominal Strength A Visual Exercise System package of 202 small and 202 large visuals covering the foundational Five Components of fitness with a bonus Abdominal Strength module for core stability and muscular development. Priced at $769.95.
• Dome Exercises A Visual Exercise System package of 15 small and 15 large visuals plus exercise schedules and a countdown board for stabilizer muscle engagement, balance, and motor skill development using a dome. Priced at $119.95.
• Fitness Room Exercises A Visual Exercise System package of 27 small and 27 large visuals covering fitness room equipment exercises for gym-based workouts. Priced at $149.95.
• Three Package Special A Visual Exercise System bundled package including Yoga, Sports, and Five Components packages plus bonus materials, offering $100 savings compared to buying separately. Priced at $1,322.86.
• Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate An ACSM NCCA-accredited 14-hour, 6-module self-paced online certification equipping fitness professionals, educators, and healthcare providers with evidence-based knowledge to design and deliver exercise programs for the autism community. Approved for 14 CECs (ACSM), 1.7 CECs (NPTA), 12 CEUs (NBCOT), and 0.12 CEUs (Iowa). Priced at $649.00, delivered via ACSM PathLMS.
• Autism Fitness Handbook A book by David Geslak (Coach Dave), published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, containing 50+ exercises successfully taught to children and adults with autism using step-by-step approaches and visual support. Priced at $29.95.
• Exercise Connection DVD A DVD featuring over 25 exercises designed for implementation at home, school, or gym settings. Priced at $29.95.
• La Guía de Actividad Física de Autismo A Spanish-language guide (La Guía de Actividad Física de Autismo) designed to help teach exercises to children and adults with autism spectrum conditions. Priced at $17.95.
• Book & DVD Package A bundled package combining the Autism Fitness Handbook and Exercise Connection DVD at a special package price. Priced at $56.90.

Quantifiable outcome

• Children using Exercise Buddy at SUNY Cortland SIMS Lab demonstrated improved on-task behavior and self-regulatory behavior
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, foundational and minor.

• NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 August 2015Exercise Connection and NCHPAD co-developed the 'Improving the Lives of Individuals with Autism Through Exercise' video series, launched on NCHPAD's YouTube channel on August 3, 2015. The series has received over 1 million views. NCHPAD is a leader in inclusive fitness resources, and this partnership positions Exercise Connection content within a major public health resource. Coach Dave also appeared in an NCHPAD interview profiling his work and mission.
• ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExercise Connection co-developed the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate with ACSM as a Specialty Certificate Program. ACSM provides NCCA accreditation and processes certificate payments through its PathLMS platform. The certificate is marketed as 'ACSM & Exercise Connection' and is the only ACSM-accredited specialty certificate in autism exercise. ACSM's NCCA accreditation is critical for professional legitimacy in the fitness industry.
• Giant Steps Therapeutic Day SchoolfoundationalStrategic or Co-development PartnerDavid Geslak originally developed his autism exercise methodology while working as a para-educator and later as the fitness program creator at Giant Steps therapeutic day school for children with autism. This is where the foundational exercise programs and visual strategies were developed before Exercise Connection was founded.
• 12 Universities (Adoption Partners)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner12 universities have adopted the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate as part of their curriculum for training fitness and education professionals. Universities leverage the ACSM-accredited certificate for degree program continuing education requirements and professional development.
• Jessica Kingsley PublishersminorOthersDavid Geslak's 'Autism Fitness Handbook' is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, a respected specialty publisher in autism and disability topics.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• PresenceLearning: PresenceLearning provides teletherapy and special education services including speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy for K-12 schools. Comparable customer base (schools and therapists serving students with disabilities) and adjacent therapeutic content focus.
• RethinkEd: RethinkEd is a comprehensive special education platform offering behavior management, professional development, and therapy resources for schools serving students with disabilities, including autism. Broader incumbent with overlapping reach into adapted PE, IEP support, and educator training.
• Brookes Publishing: Brookes Publishing is an established special education and disability publisher producing books, curricula, and assessment tools for professionals and parents. Comparable as a publisher serving the autism and special education professional market.
• Learning Resources: Learning Resources is a long-established educational toy and tools manufacturer selling into schools, therapy providers, and parents. Comparable as a hands-on educational/therapy product vendor with similar school and parent channels, though broader in scope.

Direct peers

• Special Strong: Special Strong provides adaptive personal training and fitness programming for individuals with special needs, including autism. Comparable business model focused on training adaptive fitness professionals and serving special needs clients.
• Autism Fitness: Autism Fitness is a direct competitor in adaptive fitness programming for individuals on the autism spectrum, offering training and resources for parents, educators, and professionals. Closest single-brand peer to Exercise Connection's positioning.
• Stages Learning: Stages Learning publishes Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other visual supports and educational products for children with autism and special needs. Highly comparable as a visual-support tools provider serving schools, therapists, and parents in the autism space.

Others

• PrAACtical AAC: PrAACtical AAC is an online resource hub and community supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) practice. Adjacent in the autism/communication tools ecosystem and overlaps with EC's use of visual supports for instructional access.

Emerging players

• Model Me Kids: Model Me Kids produces video modeling programs for teaching social and life skills to children with autism, an evidence-based practice that overlaps with EC's video modeling approach in Exercise Buddy. Comparable use of peer modeling visuals for autism interventions.
• The Autism Helper: The Autism Helper provides special education resources, visual supports, and curriculum materials for teachers of students with autism. Comparable in serving educators with structured visual teaching tools, though with broader classroom rather than fitness focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ExerciseConnect
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCcpJ9ZpbMdSMJT1hh6X3H2g/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/exerciseconnection
• Instagraminstagram.com/exerciseconnection
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exercise-connection

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Exercise Connection