Meet Coach David Igliori | Fitness trainer and owner

Of course. I’ve started and owned businesses since I was 25, so Fitness For Autism Gym was something that evolved after I had been encouraged to work with the autism population. I started with almost nothing. I found a space through Newbury Park Academy, and thankfully, they believed in the vision enough to let me pay rent when I could afford it. That support was everything.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. There were financial struggles, self-doubt, and moments where I wondered if I could keep going. But the impact kept me grounded. Slowly but surely, I built the business from the ground up. This is more than a gym—it’s a purpose.

Now, 13 years later, Fitness For Autism Gym is a thriving, inclusive space. What sets us apart isn’t just the specialty—it’s the energy. This is a gym where people are met with patience, respect, and encouragement. We don’t push for perfection. We work for progress.

Sure. One of our most beloved team members is Moe, a rescue dog who’s become the official therapy dog—not just for the participants, but for the moms as well. I never trained him for this role; he just became it instinctively. Moe senses when someone needs comfort, a break, or even a bit of joy. Sometimes he leads his own “workouts” by letting the kids chase him around the gym. He teaches play, connection, and movement—all without saying a word.

We’ve also been fortunate to have Coach Angela on our team—a true force of compassion and strength. Coach Angela is originally from Uganda, where she played basketball for the national team. But even more meaningful than her athletic and academic background is her experience working with children with disabilities back home. She brings that passion here every day, and it’s been a joy watching her connect with our participants. Her presence adds a sense of balance and warmth—there’s something powerful about having her feminine energy in the room. The kids—and the parents—feel it.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Parents tell me their kids feel safe here—some say it’s the first place their child ever felt excited to come back to. That’s huge. We’ve seen kids become more confident, more connected, and yes—stronger, both physically and emotionally.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that fitness has the power to connect us, ground us, and unlock potential we didn’t know was there. Everyone deserves access to that—especially those who’ve been overlooked by traditional fitness spaces.

Fitness For Autism Gym is my passion, my second home, and the legacy I hope to keep growing. With people like Coach Angela, Moe, and the amazing families we serve, I’m more excited than ever for what’s next.

This journey started with a lot of encouragement (or prodding) from my then-girlfriend, who had a son with autism. She always appreciated when I worked out with him, even though I felt like I wasn’t making much of a difference. It didn’t seem like he was “getting it,” but his mom insisted that it was helping him.

Fast forward about 10 years later: I had taken a break from personal training and spent a year as “Mr. Mom”—which turned out to be the hardest job I’ve ever had. I was soul-searching, trying to figure out what was next. I met with a SCORE mentor and shared three different business ideas. When I mentioned Fitness For Autism, he looked up from his desk and said, matter-of-factly, “Do that.”

It felt like he was meant to be there that day to point me in the right direction. Funny enough, the next week he told me he was moving to San Diego to be closer to his grandkids. I never saw him again.

Not long after, I found a space to rent at Newbury Park Academy. They were incredibly supportive. Over time, with patience and a lot of community support, the gym took shape.

I would also like to recognize my now-girlfriend, Garland, who has been an essential part of my journey with this business—encouraging me to stay focused, assuring me that what I’m doing is valuable, and helping me navigate difficult decisions. But most of all, she believes in me.

This gym was literally built by a community of people.

Lastly, I’d like to add that a couple of years ago we became a vendor for the Tri-County Regional Center. This partnership has been so helpful for families, allowing them the opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of fitness and social activities. I’ve been blessed to be part of our clients’ and families’ lives. Even if it’s just one hour a couple of times a week—it matters.

Now, in 2025, Fitness For Autism Gym is entering its 13th year. We’ve grown into a full-fledged gym dedicated to individuals on the autism spectrum—and anyone else looking for a supportive, judgment-free place to enjoy the benefits of fitness.

I have to say, my go-to has got to be the beach. If someone’s visiting for the week, I’d probably suggest a bike ride along the beach path. One of my favorite rides is from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach—the contrast between the different beach towns along the way is pretty amazing. We’d grab lunch in Hermosa, hang out for a bit, then make our way back to Santa Monica at a relaxed pace.

Another outing I love is showing out-of-towners around some of L.A.’s more off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. There’s so much diversity here—each area has its own unique vibe. Honestly, there’s a lot to do in this city… it just depends on what kind of adventure you’re up for.