MDA Ambassador Guest Blog: Make Sense? Say Yes!

Grace LoPiccolo, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, was diagnosed with CMT-1A at the age of nine. She currently attends Saint Louis University majoring in Bioethics and Health Studies, and  Catholic studies. She is currently a Junior but ultimately plans on attending law school and pursuing a field in health and disability policy. Additionally, at Saint Louis University, she is involved in Beyond Ability, her campus’s disability advocacy organization, and is preparing to serve as student body president for her senior year. 

Grace LoPiccolo hiking in the mountains.

When I first walked into Burn Boot Camp, a leading boutique fitness franchise that supports MDA’s mission, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but one thing kept standing out: the trainer always says, “Make Sense? Say Yes!” It’s their way of making sure we’re mentally present and ready to give it our all. And that simple phrase stuck with me because it’s more than just a workout—it’s a reminder to push past doubt, to embrace the challenge, and to always be open to what’s possible. No matter what my body is capable of on any given day, I’m here to say ‘yes’ to showing up, pushing myself, and making it work.

I’ve been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a neuromuscular disease, for as long as I can remember. It affects my muscles and nerves, but it doesn’t define me. For years, I watched others crush workouts at Burn Boot Camp, thinking it wasn’t for me. I spoke at Burn Boot Camp MDA events and shared my story. However, I stayed on the sidelines, assuming my body couldn’t handle the intensity of the workouts. I was wrong.

Showing up at Burn Boot Camp hasn’t been about the workouts themselves—it’s about pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do. I’m not here to make excuses or feel sorry for myself. I’m here to get stronger, no matter what. And sometimes, that means modifying exercises to make them work for my body on any given day. And you know what? That’s not a setback—that’s smart. Modifying doesn’t mean I’m weak; it means I’m adapting and giving another muscle a chance to shine. Strength isn’t about doing everything exactly like someone else might do it—it’s about doing what works for me, still showing up, and giving my all.

What I love about Burn Boot Camp is that it’s not “one size fits all.” The trainers get it. If there’s a movement I can’t do because of my body’s limits, they consistently offer alternatives without question. It’s never “you must do this”—it’s “here’s how you can adjust.” This isn’t about giving up; it’s about finding what works, and continuing to get stronger, even on days when my body isn’t 100%. The trainers at Burn Boot Camp are my biggest cheerleaders. They don’t just teach the workouts—they honestly want to see each member succeed. Every time I walk into camp, they’re there to encourage me, push me, and make sure I’m getting the most out of my workout, no matter what adjustments I need to make. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. They celebrate every win, big or small, and create a space where I feel supported to do my best. Their belief in me fuels my personal belief in myself, and that makes all the difference.

At Burn Boot Camp with family and friends.

And here’s the thing: “giving my all” sometimes looks different than someone else giving their all—and that’s beautiful. My “all” might not look like running a mile or picking up that 50-pound weight, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. Strength comes in all shapes and sizes, and every time I show up, I’m giving my best for that day. And that’s what matters.

One of the things I love most about Burn Boot Camp is how we celebrate each other’s victories, no matter how big or small. During a recent workout, members were sharing their celebrations for the day—like doing power rolls on the flat floor instead of the ledge. For me, though, I was proud of doing my power roll on the ledge, even though it was what we were technically supposed to do. It might seem simple, but for me, it felt like a huge accomplishment. And when I shared that, I got celebrated too! That’s what’s so special about Burn Boot Camp —the encouragement and the recognition we get from each other, and the way we lift each other up every step of the way.

Everyone is there to push each other, but more importantly, to cheer each other on. High fives, cheers, and words of encouragement fill the room. The energy is contagious. On the days when I’m struggling or feeling like I’m not doing my best, the support I get from others keeps me going.

There are days when I feel unstoppable, crushing every exercise. But there are also days when I need to adjust and listen to my body. And that’s okay. Strength isn’t defined by perfection. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and owning every moment, no matter how I adjust. On the days I need a modification, I’m still moving my body, still progressing, and that’s what matters.

Burn Boot Camp has taught me that strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or doing every exercise to perfection. It’s about adaptability. It’s about resilience. It’s about pushing through the hard days, showing up no matter what, and never apologizing for taking the modifications I need. In fact, doing so is a form of strength all on its own.

If you’re out there thinking that you’re not strong enough, not capable enough, or that you have to do everything the way it’s demonstrated, I’m here to tell you: You are strong. Don’t let anything hold you back. The only thing standing between you and your goals is consistently showing up and being willing to do the work, in your own personal way.

Grace LoPiccolo

To anyone with a disability, I want to say: find your place where you’re pushed to keep being better. Burn Boot Camp might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. My dad has CMT, too, and Burn Boot Camp isn’t the right fit for him, but he works with his physical therapist to discover what his body can do and how to continue progressing in ways that work for him. It’s not about forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding the right space, the right support, and the right people to help you grow and reach your potential. No matter where you are in your journey, remember that your strength is unique, and you have the power to keep showing up and being your best—one step, one rep, and one day at a time.

So, when it comes down to it, showing up and giving my best is what really matters. Whether that’s modifying a move or celebrating a small victory, I’m embracing it all. And just like the trainers say, “Make sense? Say Yes!” – because sometimes, the hardest part is saying yes to yourself. For anyone with a disability or challenge, remember this: say yes to showing up, say yes to progress, and say yes to the strength that lies within you. We are all stronger than we think.