Special Olympics Gymnast from California Leads Free Workouts alongside WWE Becky Lynch

Professional video shoots are full of flashing lights, loud noises and new scenarios. For someone with autism who has sensitivity to flashing lights, this setting can be overwhelming and intimidating. But Greg Demer did not let that stop him from participating in the School of Strength fitness series that was filmed last year and launched in March 2020. Greg worked with the camera crews and knew when they had to flash the lights so he could either step out or cover his eyes.

Greg demonstrated his strength—both physical and emotional—throughout the filming. Learn more about this 33-year-old gymnast from Southern California in his own words.

I am motivated to stay fit because I want to be a fighter jet pilot for the Air Force and fly an F-15 Eagle. I worked with a coach who showed me how to do a “pilot workout”. It consists of stretching, strengthening, a gymnastics floor routine, trampoline, and long tramp.

Fun fact: I own 110 t-shirts with fighter jets on them!

My best memory of filming the workout videos for School of Strength was when I said, "All quiet on the set! Lights, camera, action!" We then spent many hours filming the workouts and making sure every move was done right so other athletes get the most out of this series.

Gymnastics is my favorite sport to compete in. I started doing it 30 years ago, when I was diagnosed with autism. Gymnastics helped me overcome some related challenges.

To make practice more fun, my younger brother and mom joined my classes.

Because I love working out, I wanted to help others to start their own fitness journey. When Special Olympics reached out asking if I would want to participate in a new fitness campaign called School of Strength, I jumped at the chance!

I also wanted to be in the series to work alongside WWE legend Becky Lynch.

Once the campaign launched in the United States in March, I used the videos and fitness tracker for my own workouts. Later on, I added cycling and some online gymnastics classes using an exercise ball, dumbbells, and a yoga mat.

Watch Greg in action and begin your School of Strength workout today!

_{Special Olympics Health is supported by cooperative agreement #NU27DD001156 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents of this page are the responsibility of Special Olympics and do not necessarily represent the views of CDC.}