Specialized Exercise Programs, Para Sports, and Adaptive Recreation Programs provide all necessary equipment and coaching. Inclusion Programs are open to all individuals in the greater La Crosse Area. At STAR, we serve all ages and abilities. Programs have specific criteria and eligibility for individuals to participate.
In addition to our programs the NEW STAR CENTER FACILITY (opening Feb 2025) offers an Adaptive Aerobic and Strengthening Center. This space allows you to work out independently anytime the STAR Center is open. Checkout our FreshSTARt program to learn about how to use the equipment and get the most out of the aerobic and strengthening center.
When are programs offered?
Each program session runs approximately 8 weeks. “J term” programs, which run in the month of January, run 4 weeks. Some programs are offered through out the year. Other sports and recreational programs are offered seasonally, so check back often to see new opportunities.
Financial Assistance and Outside Funding Options:
A variety of funding sources have been identified to help defer the cost of participation. Financial assistance is available—no one will be denied participation due to lack of funding.
Not sure if a program is a good fit for you? Try it for a day for FREE! Dare to try something new. We offer a money back guarantee. If we can not adapt an activity so you can participate, we will refund your registration fee.
What are my next steps?
Check out our membership opportunities! After you become a member with STAR you will be able to register for classes and sport opportunities!
Please make sure to write down your login username and password for the STAR MEMBER PORTAL.
This portal is where you register for classes/ sports, view membership, change your general information, and sign up to receive contact with STAR staff.
“The STAR Center bridges the medical model to the community model. That bridge doesn’t exist to the extent it should, because most health clubs aren’t set up to accommodate the health and wellness needs of individuals with disabilities.”
Who might enjoy our programs:
SPECIALIZED EXERCISE PROGRAMS
- Amputation
- Arthritis
- Back and Shoulder Pain
- Balance Challenges
- Blindness / Visual Impairment
- Cerebral Palsy
- Congenital Limb Issues
- Connective Tissue Disorders
- Dementia
- Leg Length Discrepancy
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Conditions
- Neuromuscular Dysfunction
- Older Adults
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post Trauma Limb Dysfunction
- Post-stroke Challenges
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spina Bifida
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairments
PARA SPORT PROGRAMS
- Amputation
- Balance challenges
- Blindness / visual impairment
- Cerebral palsy
- Congenital limb issues
- Connective tissue disorders
- Leg length discrepancy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post trauma limb dysfunction
- Post-stroke challenges
- Spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Visual impairments
- Neuromuscular dysfunction
- Arthritis
ADAPTIVE RECREATION PROGRAMS
- Autism spectrum
- Balance challenges
- Cognitive impairment
- Down syndrome
- Learning disability
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Low muscle tone
- Motor dyspraxia
- Motor programming challenges
- Sensory integration challenges
- Traumatic Brain injuries
- Other congenital syndromes
INCLUSIVE RECREATION
We serve people with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, or those recovering from strokes and accidents. The STAR Center offers a variety of all-inclusive programs, allowing community members to benefit through participation. Every individual will have the opportunity to choose what type of programming- specialized exercise, adaptive recreation, inclusion programming, para sport, or traditional programming—best suits their needs.
Youth
STAR Center fitness programs and activities offer young people fun, fulfilling opportunities to reach their full potential and live their healthiest lives. Our adaptive recreation programs introduce youth to new activities that may become life-long passions. Here, youth can stay active, try new things, make new friends, and just have fun.
Adults and seniors
At the STAR Center, all adults and seniors can discover programs and activities that satisfy their exact needs and preferences. Plus, expert assistance in every program ensures maximum benefit and enjoyment!
Veterans
The STAR Center offers rewarding, therapeutic activities for veterans of all ages and abilities—Wounded Warriors, War fighters and veterans experiencing PTSD, social isolation and other conditions. We’re honored to help veterans support their overall wellbeing with Veterans fitness programs, para sports, adaptive recreation, and more.