WAUKESHA, Wis. — Todd Siewert never thought he'd be able to go full throttle on an elliptical.
That was until he found a one-of-a-kind gym that changed his life.
“When I came here about eight years ago, I was not in a great place, and it’s made a huge difference," said the 57-year-old Siewert.
The gym, MS Just Keep Moving, was created by Dan Erschen eight years ago because he wanted to create a safe space for people with Multiple Sclerosis to exercise. Every person who works out at the gym has MS, including Erschen.
“I feel like I’ve been blessed," said Just Keep Moving founder Dan Erschen. "The way I’ve been blessed, to be able to get my mobility back and really live life with MS, and I just really want to be able to share that with other people with MS.”
Inside his own business, Wisconsin Metal Parts, Erschen operates the gym two days a week, free of charge.
He has even customized equipment to accommodate anyone who struggles with balance.
“It’s the difference between that person being able to ride a bike and that person not being able to ride a bike.”
Todd Siewert has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years.
“If I hadn’t found this place, I’d probably be 300 pounds lying in a bed somewhere,” said Siewert.
Erschen didn't just create a gym — he created a community.
There is no cure for MS, but exercise and encouragement from a supportive community can go a long way.
People of all ages and all stages of MS are welcome at the gym.
At ' MS Just Keep Moving,' it's more than a name — it's a mindset.
For more information, visit their website.