Our Mission

The non-profit was the first non-for-profit gym in WI and was created in 2014. 

The main mission of Ascent for Life, Inc. is to provide accessible Wellness Services to the Milwaukee Community, by providing creative/innovative solutions for every client to feel welcomed, included and engaged in their own favorite wellness based practices.

How do we do this?

In order to do so, thinking about accessibility in a broader manner was important. Going beyond ADA requirements, acknowledging how many bodies / cultures and identities do not feel welcomed in health and wellness spaces and their social dynamics, was a first step. 

Origin Story:

The work with clients with disabilities and chronic physical and mental illness started about 13 years ago, when Tony Langtimm created his first adaptive fitness business in Milwaukee. 

The mission statement of the gym was to create accessible services for the Milwaukee community, based on the ASCENT method. Eventually, Tony's gym started being know as ASCENT GYM with headquarters in Milwaukee Turners.  The adaptive exercise focus began to uncover a need in Milwaukee, and that need brought a new not-for-profit entity to the ASCENT Gym organization.  Soon Ascent For Life, Inc. was born, and free adaptive fitness training was offered to the Multiple Sclerosis athletes in Milwaukee.  

The gym has trained rowing teams, firefighter teams and has served Milwaukee residents increase their self-care within a training community that focuses on enjoyment, personal talents and community.