Your Body Is Capable of More Than You Think
H.E.A.R.T.S. Program | Help Every Amputee Realize Their Strength
Physical activity is essential for recovery, confidence, and long-term health after amputation. We make sure cost is never the barrier.
Medically Essential
Regular activity reduces fall risk, supports prosthetic fit, and improves mental health recovery
$0 cost
Gym memberships, running blades, adaptive equipment, and sports programs — all free
Any level
From walking confidently to training for a 30K trail run — we meet you where you are
Why Physical Activity Matters After Amputation
Staying active after limb loss is not just beneficial. It is medically essential. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the residual limb, reduces the risk of secondary complications, and plays a critical role in mental health recovery. For amputees specifically, exercise has been shown to improve balance, reduce fall risk, support prosthetic fit and comfort, and build the physical confidence needed to fully re-engage with daily life.
But the financial barriers are real. Most amputees cannot afford specialty prosthetics designed for athletic activity, such as running blades. Standard gym memberships, personal training, and adaptive sports equipment all cost money that is rarely covered by insurance. The result is that many amputees become sedentary after surgery, not by choice, but because the cost of staying active is prohibitive.
The H.E.A.R.T.S. program breaks down those barriers. We fund the equipment, memberships, training, and gear that allow amputees to be physically active, whether that means getting back to the gym, trying an adaptive sport for the first time, or training for a trail run.
What This Program Includes
Running Blades & Adaptive Prosthetics
We work with community partners to improve safety, access, and autonomy inside your home. Past projects have included: widening doorways to fit wheelchairs, installing ADA-compliant showers with grab bars and transfer benches, adding elevated toilets, building exterior ramps, installing first-floor stackable washer/dryer units, replacing stairs with accessible alternatives, and much more. Every renovation is planned around your specific living situation and mobility needs.
Gym Memberships & Personal Training
We fund gym memberships so cost never prevents someone from staying active. For amputees who need guidance on safe, effective exercise after limb loss, we also cover customized adaptive fitness training with professionals who understand the unique biomechanics and considerations of working with amputees.
Fitness Equipment & Adaptive Sports
From home exercise equipment to adaptive sports gear, we fund the tools amputees need to stay active on their terms. Past examples include resistance bands, balance trainers, cycling equipment, swimming aids, and registration fees for adaptive sports programs. We have also funded participation in events like adaptive surfing, skiing, and climbing.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Tell Us Your Goals
Fill out our support request form and share a bit about your fitness goals, current activity level, and what is standing in your way. Whether you want to get back to walking confidently, join a gym, or train for a race, we want to hear about it.
Step 2: We Build a Plan
Our team works with you to identify what equipment, memberships, or training will help most. If a running blade is right for you, we connect you with our Levitate partnership. If a gym membership or personal trainer is the priority, we fund that instead.
Step 3: You Move
We provide the funding and resources, and you put them to work. Many of our H.E.A.R.T.S. beneficiaries go on to achieve things they never imagined possible: trail runs, kickboxing matches, adaptive surfing, and more. Your journey is yours to define.
A Community Story
"Less Leg More Heart gave me the tools to train for a 30K trail run in Utah, something I never thought I'd be able to do. Through the H.E.A.R.T.S. program, they also gave me the opportunity to train and share my knowledge directly with more amputees. Because of Less Leg More Heart, I'm not just living life. I'm thriving."
Sam | H.E.A.R.T.S. Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be athletic to qualify?
Not at all. This program is for amputees at every fitness level. Whether you want to walk around the block more confidently, get back to a gentle yoga practice, or train for a competitive event, we support wherever you are starting from.
What is a running blade, and is one right for me?
A running blade is a carbon-fiber prosthetic designed for high-impact physical activity like running and jumping. It is different from your everyday walking prosthetic. Through our partnership with Levitate, we can help determine if a running blade is a good fit for your goals and provide one at no cost if it is.
Can I use this program if I already have a gym membership?
Yes. If you already have a gym membership but need something else to stay active, like personal training, adaptive equipment, or sports gear, we can fund those needs instead. The program is flexible and tailored to what will make the biggest difference for you.
Does this program cover team sports or adaptive athletics?
Yes. We have funded registration fees, equipment, and travel for adaptive sports programs including surfing, skiing, swimming, cycling, and more. If a sport or athletic program would improve your physical health and confidence, we want to hear about it.
Take the Next Step
Staying active after amputation should not depend on your budget. Tell us about your goals, and we will help you get there.