In the CrossFit and fitness world at large, there is a term called a PR or personal record. Where an athlete sets a new personal record for their most weight lifted and so on. As an individual, I chase the new PR’s. Right now, my current back squat is 365 and by the end of the year I’d love to smash the big 400.

On my dead lift, I can’t seem to break past the 290 mark, the right side of my body doesn’t seem to want to budge. And there is honestly a lot of flaws in my approach. On other lifts, preferably lifts that require over head movement. IT SUCKS! Again, my left side has full extension, my right side not quite.

It’s frustrating, because on the inside I know I can do it. But getting my body, mind and spirit to have that conversation is rather difficult. Largely due to living with cerebral palsy. Sometimes I leave the gym not so happy with myself, even fall into moments of self pity. What the real problem is though, is that I want to skip the gradual process of slowly adding weight, slowly gaining more mobility to simply wanting the big numbers. Which has happened before.

Even my coaches tell me, that not everyday is a heavy day. But do I listen, hell no not at first. That’s no ones fault by my own. Two things we (or I) must remember in fitness or life:

1. Go slow- find joy in the process. I somehow feel rushed, as though I am running out of time in my life, which is illogical. Or I have to catch up to others, in a form of competition, which is also illogical. For you and I, the truth of the matter is that there is no hurry, there is no one to compete with. It is more than okay to push and challenge ourselves but not at the expense of our joy.
2. Our self worth (my self worth) is not found in the numbers that we put up or what we produce in our work on a daily basis. Nope, our self worth and human dignity is found in Gods bestowing upon us.

I/we need to apply these truths to ourselves each and every day. And if we must, help others to see that truth as well.

Enjoy the process

Live present

Eat Healthy

Set you sight on things above.

It’s been a few weeks since I released a list of body weight movements that I like to do,  specifically, I wanted people with cerebral palsy and people with other adaptive needs, to have it if they couldn’t afford or have access to a gym or coach. In my mind, there is no reason not to be in the best shape we can be. Unless we are one hundred percent dependent upon the care of others.

I posted the blog in every adaptive forum that I could, but it didn’t gain much attraction. But when I came in contact with a awesome women by the name of Emily, who wanted to interview me about my company (adaptive defense methods) we talked a lot about fitness.

I can remember her telling me that she wasn’t as strong as she once was, and sadly lost a lot of tone in her body. She normally had seen a physical therapist but hadn’t had access to one. Without thinking I sent her the body weight movement list, I knew deep down that it would help her.

At first she seemed a bit nervous, maybe even hesitant. But through a ton of reassurance and belief  she embarked on the journey. Start with basic and simple stuff like push ups, planks hip ups etc. Things that seem easy, but when done in a AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) or HIT method (High intensity training) they can be a huge shock to the system and challenge the mind and body.

For those with cerebral palsy, we can use up to three times more energy than an abled bodied person. So the idea behind mixing up a high intensity body weight workout, was to get the fastest results possible. As I said before, it’s only been a few weeks, but Emily has been very consistent and is already seeing results in her core, arms and legs. Trust me, there’s still a long way to go in her journey, but the sky is the limit for her. The same can be said for you, if you only make the choice to challenge yourself each and every single day. Make dedication and discipline your friend and you will go far.