A completely free, private, 1-on-1 breathing challenge designed exclusively for individuals with physical challenges, chronic illness, or limited mobility.
If you live with a physical challenge, the word "exercise" often feels like a threat, not a solution. You aren't avoiding health; you are protecting your body. You are balancing a daily "energy budget" where every movement has a cost.
You might be:
afraid that one wrong move will trigger pain or exhaustion.
worried that you may make your condition worse
tired of hearing 'push thru the pain' when your body is screaming.
protecting your energy, you don't want to drain yourself
struggling to keep pace in a program not designed for our reality.
What if the most powerful thing you could do for your health… was to change how you breathe?
I am bypassing the gym, the weights, and the cardio to focus on the only tool you possess that is already running 24/7 ... Your breath. This isn't a workout. It’s a 5-day, private, 1-on-1 exploration of how to calm your nervous system, stabilize your core, massage your organs and regain a sense of "buoyancy" in your own body.
Because for those of us living with muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, or ALS, the most effective path is often the path of least resistance. We aren't training for a marathon; we are training to live.
Why this Challenge is different...
100% Private - We meet 1-on-1 via Zoom. No Groups. No Comparing. Just you and me.
Zero Impact - You can do this seated, lying down, or in whatever position you feel safe and comfortable.
Low Commitment - Just 30 minutes a day for 5 days. No special equipment. If you can breathe, you're in!
Energy-Neutral - We focus on "Neuro-Recovery" and nervous system regulation. You will leave feeling replenished, not drained.
Fully Tailored - Because we all have unique issues, I adapt every technique to your body's capabilities.
I struggle with FSHD... Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. FSHD is a specific type of muscular dystrophy. It is a rare, degenerative muscle disease, a genetic mutation that can be passed from generation to generation. FSHD causes progressive muscle loss and weakness. It affects one-in-8000 people. The symptoms can be mild or severe. There currently is no cure or approved therapies for the treatment of FSHD
"I joke that I wrestle with a bag of groceries and the groceries usually win."
Living with FSHD presents daily challenges to tasks that most people take for granted. Some daily tasks often require significant planning and effort. Walking is tiring, climbing stairs is my latest challenge. I wear a leg brace to prevent falls. Lifting objects (like a bag of groceries) is a challenge as the muscles in the shoulders, upper arms and core are weak. Facial muscles are impacted, making it hard to close my eyes, and for others, it's hard to even smile. I can’t leave out the constant mental adjustments needed to find alternative ways to accomplish simple daily tasks like washing my hair or reaching a cup on a shelf. I lose my balance for no apparent reason, and I am "that person" who takes the elevator to go one floor.
I started practicing Kung Fu long before I ever heard of FSHD. Along the way I also learned Qigong and started practicing Tai Chi. When I was diagnosed with FSHD these practices became my daily routine... especially the breathing exercises. Breathing is the core. Everything works off of the breathing. I believe these routines help me fight back against the disease.
These aren't just "martial arts" to me - they are my survival strategy. Using these forms and techniques, I created an internal structure that I practice daily to help me keep going. I want to share the safest, most accessible parts of that toolkit with you.
What You'll Discover:
The "Core Cylinder" - Using Dan Tian-to-pelvic-floor visualization to support your spine without straining your abdominals.
Ghost Movements - Learning to move through "intent" rather than "effort"—essential for those with progressive conditions.
The "Somatic Reset" - Simple, rhythmic breathing to quiet the "noise" of chronic pain and nervous system over-stimulation.
Step 1: Schedule your Meeting
We will do a quick assessment.
Step 2: Start the Challenge
We start 1-on-1 ASAP depending on YOUR schedule
Step 3: 5 Days - 5 Unique Challenges
I build YOUR challenge based on YOUR abilities.
""His dedication to helping others with FSHD (muscular dystrophy) fight back against their daily struggles is evident in the carefully designed exercises he shares.


Massachusetts
"Frank has a great knack for identifying the need for different learning styles. This is extremely important when working with individuals with a chronic, debilitating, progressive muscle wasting disease."


Washington
" I am challenged both physically and mentally in performing the strength training. I feel much stronger and confident than I did when I started.


North Carolina
Do I need to be able to stand up or get on the floor to do this?
Absolutely not. This entire 5-day challenge is zero-impact and fully adaptable. You can complete these breathing techniques seated in a chair, resting in a wheelchair, or lying completely flat in bed. Because we work 1-on-1, I will adapt every single movement to fit exactly where your body is most comfortable and supported.
Will this cause a flare-up or make my condition worse?
My number one rule is safety! We do not push through pain. Traditional fitness often triggers flare-ups because it stresses the joints and central nervous system. Breathwork does the exact opposite. We are using your breath to "hit the brakes" on your nervous system, signaling to your brain and body that you are safe. This is designed to relieve tension, not create it.
I have very little energy. Will this exhaust me?
I completely understand the need to protect your energy. This is not a sweaty, draining workout. Our sessions are only 30 minutes long, and the specific breathing techniques we practice are actually designed to restore your energy and oxygenate your body without exhausting your muscles.
Do I need any special equipment or workout clothes?
No equipment is needed at all! You don't even need to change your clothes. Wear whatever you want that is loose, comfortable and non-restrictive.
Why is the 1-on-1 instead of a group class?
If you have a physical challenge, group classes can often feel intimidating, too fast, or just not built for your body. I keep this challenge strictly 1-on-1 because your body’s needs are unique. Working privately allows me to give you my full attention, adapt immediately to how you are feeling that day, and ensure you feel completely seen and safe.
Is this really free? What is the catch?
It is 100% free. As someone living with FSHD Muscular Dystrophy, I know how hard it is to find a safe starting point. I offer this 5-day challenge because I want you to experience the relief of moving your body safely without financial pressure. At the end of the 5 days, I will share details about my comprehensive 6-week paid program in case you want to continue our work together, but there is absolutely zero pressure or obligation to join.
I’m not very tech-savvy. Is Zoom hard to use?
Not at all. Once we pick a time that works for you, I will email you a single link. When it is time for our session, you just click that link, and it will bring you directly into our private meeting room.
I know you have a background in Qigong and Tai Chi. Do I need to know anything about martial arts or meditation?
No experience is required. While the breathing exercises are rooted in the ancient, proven principles of Kung Fu, Qigong, and Tai Chi, I have adapted them to be incredibly simple and straightforward. There is nothing confusing, mystical, or complicated here. I break everything down into small, simple steps that anyone can follow.
Do we meet 5 consecutive days? Can we add some breaks?
We do not have to meet five consecutive days. For some, scheduling around a weekend works well. It depends on your schedule. We can add breaks if you need extra time to practice.
Do you have a question or concern that is not discussed here ?
Feel free to contact me and we can discuss.
© 2026 Frank Hanley email [email protected]