Amp'ed Up with Henry: adaptive Boxercise for amputees

Taking on a new fitness routine can feel a little overwhelming — especially when many fitness spaces still do not fully understand the needs of our amputee community in terms of adaptation, accessibility, or the mental barriers people can face when returning to movement, fitness, or sport.

In this movao LIVE interview, I speak to adaptive and inclusive fitness coach Henry Dunn about his journey from being a professional rugby player to losing his arm while working on a cattle ranch in the Australian outback.

Watch the interview below, or read on to find out more about the Amp'ed Up classes and why adaptive fitness spaces like this can make such a difference.

During his own rehabilitation journey, Henry discovered a passion for adaptive fitness and creating spaces that feel approachable rather than intimidating — particularly for people rebuilding confidence after injury, trauma, illness, or limb loss.

Drawing from his own lived experience of trauma and amputation, he went on to build a career as an adaptive and inclusive fitness coach.

Now based in Dubai and working at Boxica, Henry coaches both mainstream and adaptive fitness classes, while also volunteering with In Touch — an organisation creating recreational, retreat, and adaptive sport opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities and neurological conditions.

Partnering with UK charity LimbPower, Henry launched Amp'ed Up — a free weekly online Boxercise and HIIT class designed for all fitness levels and abilities.

The sessions focus on movement, strength, and real-time adaptations, helping people exercise from home in a way that feels achievable, supportive, and adaptable to their own bodies.

What happens in the Amp'ed Up classes?

One of the biggest things Henry highlights during our conversation is how camaraderie, the right adaptations, and support from someone who understands disability firsthand can completely change somebody's confidence around exercise.

For many amputees and people with disabilities, movement is not always about motivation — sometimes it is about navigating fluctuating energy levels, socket discomfort, balance fatigue, or simply finding exercises that actually work for your body.

Having adaptable online spaces where people can exercise without the stress of travel, accessibility barriers, or comparison can often become an important first step back into fitness.

During the Amp'ed Up sessions, participants can join seated or standing, depending on their balance, mobility, energy levels, or stage of rehabilitation.

Exercises can be slowed down and modified throughout the session, helping people take part at their own pace.

Sessions combine:

• Boxing combinations
• Cardio circuits
• Strength exercises
• Functional movement
• Coordination and balance work

Some participants use weights, while others use purely bodyweight movement. Some are experienced exercisers, while others may be returning to fitness after years away.

Rather than focusing on perfection or performance, the sessions are designed to help people reconnect with exercise in a way that feels realistic, adaptable, and supportive.

Thinking about joining Amp'ed Up?

If you are unsure where to start, Henry's advice is simple:

"Everybody taking part in Amp'ed Up is in the same situation — we have all been through something, so everybody wants to be supportive.

It's a safe space to share experiences, adaptations, and advice. If you are in the early stages of recovery or rehabilitation, you have people around you who have been there themselves and understand what that feels like.

We have people who are very experienced in their amputee journey, and others who are right at the beginning. It's a fantastic place to ask questions, learn adaptations, and get advice — not just from me, but from everybody in the class.

So if you are waiting or stalling… just join us and meet these amazing people. They are all so supportive, and we will help in any way we can."

Amp'ed Up sessions take place weekly on Wednesdays at 1:15pm (German time), online, and are free for all movao members. 

You can find the direct class link through the movao events section here.

Sometimes rebuilding confidence begins with something very small — showing up, trying a new movement, discovering an adaptation, or simply realising you're in this alone.

And that is exactly the type of environment Henry is helping to create through Amp'ed Up.

Honestly… I'm a fan for sure!