Recovery doesn't stop when rehab does.
Beyond The Chair is a nonprofit gym in San Antonio for people living with paralysis and other neurological conditions. Our certified neuro-fitness specialists train you one-on-one, for as long as you keep showing up.
- Monday to Friday, 9 to 6
- Jackwood Dr., off Bandera Rd.
Who we train
Most members come to us after physical and occupational therapy end. Before Beyond The Chair, many of them had nowhere to keep working.
We train adults and kids, from the week rehab ends to decades after diagnosis. If you're not sure we're a fit, call and ask. We'll tell you straight.
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Spina bifida
- ALS
- Amputation
How getting started works
No referral needed to call. Here's what happens between your first call and your first full session.
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Talk to us
Call or send a short request. We'll ask about your injury or diagnosis and what you want to work toward.
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Get cleared
Get your doctor's OK to exercise. We'll tell you exactly what paperwork we need for your situation.
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Your assessment
We measure where you are today on functional scales, so there's a real baseline to beat.
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Train and re-test
Most members train two or three times a week for one to three hours. We track progress and change the program as you do.
Hard, specific work. Built around you.
Every session is one-on-one with a specialist who holds a degree in kinesiology or exercise science. We train the body in functional movement patterns, the same progressions everyone learns: rolling, sitting, standing, crawling, walking.
- Gait training with harness and treadmill support
- Load-bearing and standing work
- Strength, core and balance training
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling
- Active and passive range of motion
What it costs
The more often you train, the lower the hourly rate. Your rate includes the training plus any help with lifts, transfers and exercise setup.
| Sessions per week | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Once a week | $85 per hour |
| Twice a week | $80 per hour |
| Three times a week | $75 per hour |
Veterans
We have special pricing for the men and women who served. Call us for details.
Insurance
Insurance doesn't cover our training. For insurance-covered care, Neuro Performance Physical Therapy works in our building, specializes in neurological conditions and is in-network with most major plans.
Other memberships
Ask us about other packages and memberships, and about help from our No Paralyzed Veteran or Civilian Left Behind Fund.
In our members' words
Beyond The Chair gives me the opportunity to do more than just sit in the chair. It gives me a place to work out without barriers.
BTC has prepared me to compete at a national level in both boccia and power soccer by increasing my stamina and strength. Movement is life.
Day-to-day living has improved tremendously since coming to BTC. I get a great workout from highly trained staff and leave with a smile every time.
The people on the floor
Founded in 2012 by Nito Blochlinger, who has trained people with spinal cord injuries since 2003, and Laura Dominguez-Tauer, who has lived with a C6 injury since 2001.

Nito Blochlinger
Co-founder and president

Laura Dominguez-Tauer
Co-founder and secretary
Keep someone training
Insurance won't pay for long-term recovery work. Donations close the gap for members who can't cover it, and keep our equipment running.
- $85 one hour of one-on-one training
- $255 a full week at three sessions
- $1,000 toward new recovery equipment
Come see the gym
The building is wheelchair accessible. Stop by during open hours, or call first and we'll make time to show you around.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm
- Phone
- (210) 256-0700