It is inspiring to stay in contact with your fitness aspirations and goals despite having physical challenges in the form of any disability. This is not normal; having said that, achieving the optimum level of fitness with a disability will definitely create a place of stories worthy of sharing among the mass.
Acknowledging these challenges, we provide a free gym membership for the disabled. Disability, especially of the physical kind, usually numbs your prime body functionalities, altering the normal way of life and adding a unique layer of complexity to physical fitness. Despite this, we’ve witnessed inspiring tales and incredible stories of triumph from our disabled gym members who, empowered by their free gym membership, are conquering their fitness goals.
Inspiring Fitness Journey of Gym Members with Disabilities
To improvise their physical fitness and overall well-being, gym members with disabilities engage in various types of fitness activities, including the gyming facilities and specially designed equipment for disabled people.
The specific disability type may vary greatly; however, mobility impairments, sensory impairments, neurological conditions, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and others are commonly derived disability in gym members.
Since the gym facilitation provided to disabled people influences their health conditions and improves empowerment, self-confidence, and social integration, gym membership is appreciated in many regions for the betterment of disabled individuals through regular exercises and physical activity to promote independence.
“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.”
According to the research report, Disability and the Gym: experiences, barriers, and Facilitators of gym use for Individuals with physical disabilities, the following results showcase the impact of gyming.
- Experiencing enhanced wellness.
- The perceived conflict between gym values and disability.
- Influence of a previous gym identity.
- Experiences of psycho-emotional disablism.
Stories: Gym Members With Disabilities
Many disabled people in the gym feel left out due to the scarcity of trainers and members with disabilities in the gym. However, this trend has been changing since traditional gym facilities have evolved. Modern gyms include advanced equipment, tools, and friendly mechanisms specially designed for disabled people. As a part of this evolution, it’s essential to prepare for your first gym visit being disabled to ensure you make the most of these facilities and have a positive, supportive experience.
Stories that offer inspiration in your breakdown period can uplift your hope and courage. We have developed similar stories that might pull your thoughts into the natural ground and ensure extrinsic motivation.
Jeff Bauman, The More Substantial and Stronger Survival Standards!
“I know exactly when my life changed: when I looked into the face of Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It was 2:48 P. M. on April 15, 2013 – one minute before the most high profile terrorist event on United States soil since September 11th – and he was standing right beside me.”
Jeff Bauman
Jeff, 27 – year – old working-class guy, lost both legs when a pair of bombs next to him exploded while standing at the finishing line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. STRONGER is a film representing a personal and heroic story depicting Jeff Bauman’s life journey despite the life-altering incident in the Boston Marathon bombings.
Awaiting for his ex-girlfriend, Erin, at the Boston Marathon finish line, Jeff was caught in the aftermath of the blast that occurred when he saw the bombers planting the action. He held a cardholder sign to cheer Erin on and win her back.
Through his determination and perseverance, Jeff got back on his feet and started training. He was able to walk again with the help of prosthetic legs. His story inspires people of every age group and gives them the courage to shine high despite having a disability.
Tatyana McFadden, a Paralympic athlete who was born with Spina Bifida!
“I just want to be seen as an athlete. I train hard, I work hard, I have a strict diet. I do everything to be the best”
Tatyana McFadden
Spina Bifida is a birth defect when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, and the issue lies in the embryo. Tatyana McFadden inspires by her achievement as a decorated wheelchair racer and highly accomplished Paralympic athlete; her numerous Paralympic medals are motivating enough for the young generations.
Her struggles in her childhood and all the obstacles she faced made her story compelling enough and worthy to share with mass. She spent the first six years at an orphanage in Russia. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, she learned to walk on her hands for mobility.
Tatyana and her mother sued the local school system to allow her to compete alongside normal and able-bodied athletes. Their success with this legal batter set a precedent for other students with disabilities. Despite being disabled, in her professional training, she has given the brilliance of performance within the rigorous training of set parameters similar to other competitors.
Nick Scott, a Professional Bodybuilder, Powerlifter, and Wheelchair Ballroom Dancer!
“The only limitations are the ones you make.”
Nick Scott
Nick Scott suffered a spinal injury following a severe car accident at just 16. In the aftermath of the incident, he struggled with depression, significantly altering his life’s direction, inducing a new paradigm of thoughts and anxiety. He also gained a substantial amount of weight after the accident. During this challenging period, he sought help and started researching the best gym for disabled people to aid in his physical and mental recovery.
He began with self-motivation and physical training to pull himself out of this situation. He began weightlifting and eventually got into competitive bodybuilding, giving him a more positive outlook.
Then, he had a purpose in life, and training at this level required him to go through intense dedication, discipline, and physical exertion. He worked hard to achieve greatness in wheelchair bodybuilding and set an example for many disabled people by raising awareness.
Inspired Notes
They say Luck – Lord Will – Bad Dream – Destiny; the presented stories of gym members with disabilities cross over all the blocks and have emerged as inspiring tales for future generations. Reading such stories enhances self-motivation and empowers the people who have lost all hope in their lives and find no light in their dark tunnels.
