In 2015, I began personal training for a sport known as adaptive CrossFit. Before that time, I was very out of shape with many aches and pains. My muscles were atrophied and my body was pretty much sticks and bones, I could hardly bend over and tie my shoe. Being a wheelchair-user, I wasn’t very active at that time and found myself feeling depressed. My physical therapist suggested that weight training might offer me a great way to challenge myself and increase my levels of health and wellness. I took the challenge.
It was a rough start. My body hurt even more than ever those first months but I mentally felt renewed because I was setting goals and accomplishing them. Before I knew it, I was getting involved in all types of adaptive sports such as basketball, skeet & trap, water-skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, marathoning, rope climbing, etc. So needless to say I can tie my shoe with ease now.
The moral of the story is never pass up a challenge to improve yourself because it will always lead to a better quality of life.
#MensHealthAwarenessMonth and #MensHealthMonth are dedicated to our fathers, brothers, significant others, sons and friends. We support you, we love you, and your well-being matters!
We can all take a stand to live healthier, happier, and longer lives. The first step is taking control of your health – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Take an active approach to your health by following these healthy tips:
- Visit your doctor. Schedule yearly checkups with your doctor and keep these appointments.
- Eat natural, healthy foods. Packaged and processed foods are often full of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and calories.
- Try to get moving as much as you are able.
- Rest and recharge. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep to feel well-rested. Sleeping five hours or less each night doubles the risk of high blood pressure.
