Overcoming Adversity as an Amputee in the Fitness Community

Tonight got me thinking of how far I have come in the fitness community. A gym patron asked me if he could film me on Snapchat as I was doing squats. At first I was confused a little, but he explained that because of my prosthetic leg I inspired him to show others that they should be doing the same and what's their excuse. I complied and did it, not because he asked, but because I inspired him and I didn't want to let him down. Why is that so important to me? Let me explain.

When I was 15, I started my fitness journey. I have a prosthetic leg, so it was hard to find somewhere to start. I did my research and I took charge, all the while still being new to the atmosphere. It bugged me that I wasn't better, that I wasn't making a real change in my life yet. It seemed like everyone just wanted to stare and judge me. I believed they were judging me. Then finally, one day, it just clicked. I need a mentality where I don't care what others think. Let them stare, let them talk. My mentality became fearful of trying to improve to "If you want to stare and judge me because you think I can't do this, because my leg, fine. But guess what? I will prove you wrong!" I was doing strength training and I wasn't doing the best, but hey, who was going to help? I needed to rely on myself, so that's exactly what I did.

I continued to do my homework on what I could do to improve, hour after hour watching videos on form, reading books on nutrition and different exercises. I was still doing strength training, but was improving more drastically now. I knew what to do. I had gained a mindset that allowed me to perform under pressure. I was 19 now and I was starting to get recognition. It felt great.

It just so happen at this time I started working at a sports nutrition store. My knowledge and my body blew up. I once had a trainer come up to me and tell me "I really appreciate what you're doing. It's really inspiring to see you in here trying so hard." It was the first time I really felt like I made a breakthrough. All I had ever wanted was to help inspire people. I've had a prosthetic leg my entire life and have always been told I inspire others. So to hear those words were magic to me. So I continued.

After a while, I constantly had others coming up to me telling me that I inspired them to keep coming in, or how they were going to give up for the day but decided to keep going because if I could do it, they could too. I made two decisions at this point in my life: I will become a trainer and help others become better and overcome their adversities for one, I will start doing powerlifting for two.

I don't see my leg as a crippling feature. I use the phrase "just because I'm handicapped doesn't mean I'm crippled" constantly. It helped keep me going and overcome my own adversities. In doing so, it helped others, as well. I do both training and powerlifting now. I think it just goes to prove that it doesn't matter if you have an adversity, you can attack it and make it a point to improve. It can help others just by them watching you do better. You just need the courage to start.