Lights, Camera, Adaption!

Reminders of why I compete… This weekend, the collective atmosphere, energy and general vibe at FITX were all reminders to me as to why I compete in Bodybuilding. I love the community feel within bodybuilding – being able to meet with as many friends as I could, meet new ones and having the opportunity toContinue reading “Lights, Camera, Adaption!”

Managing My Energy / Fatigue (with CP) Close to Show Day….

I’ve become more aware of my energy levels upon discovering research that cerebral palsy can lead to more fatigue, particularly toward the end of the day. This has explained a lot in my youth – I’ve gained more knowledge in this area as I aged and now have a lot of lived experience with howContinue reading “Managing My Energy / Fatigue (with CP) Close to Show Day….”

More Tailored Adaptions…

I went to the Naidex conference this past month, designed around accessibility, disability & inclusion, meeting so many people in the process, doing amazing work. I tried new adaptions via the exhibitor space that have could have potential enhance elements of my gym training. It was so good to see a variety of adaptive piecesContinue reading “More Tailored Adaptions…”

I wasn’t built for this – or was I?

By all accounts the outlook wasn’t exactly all positive in my early days. Told that you wouldn’t run and have great challenges doesn’t leave you bouncing for joy. Often thoughts of joining a gym & being able to ‘put on some muscle’ up to my early 20’s, were overshadowed by doubt from the ever presentContinue reading “I wasn’t built for this – or was I?”

Can we begin again?

I love new starts… Moreover, I love to renew a challenge, particularly in reference to my training. I always believe there’s new ground to made on programmes or phases within my exercise selection. Finding a consistency has, I found, been hugely beneficial. Yet, making time to experiment has been the catalyst to discovering new waysContinue reading “Can we begin again?”

Disability Bodybuilding in 2023 – A year full of Opportunity!

The year ahead is building toward a 12 month period full of opportunity across the UK & beyond for the mixed disability category in bodybuilding. Fresh off a great number of shows in 2022 which included a calendar packed with regional qualifiers, new opportunities such as The PCA Universe, The FITXPo in Liverpool in theContinue reading “Disability Bodybuilding in 2023 – A year full of Opportunity!”

What path will my mobility take?

I’ve long accepted the structure I have is different. The practice of testing my individual endurance and ability to mould into better shape for my health is a test that I also love to explore. Questioning ‘can this be different/better?’ I discovered isn’t an unhealthy position I once thought it was. I’m not ashamed ofContinue reading “What path will my mobility take?”

The Inbuilt Joy of Discovery…

One the single BEST things I love about the gym is the new discoveries. The previous hurdle thought unattainable, conquered by trial and error. The patience to keep trying even when you fall over. The repetition until you finally find the way, it’s all in the discovery. Looking back, some expectations were low with certainContinue reading “The Inbuilt Joy of Discovery…”

The shared passion that helped with isolation…

I didn’t meet that many people with a Disability growing up, anyone with cerebral palsy, even less so. I’m sure the services that helped me helped many but when it came to connections, that really didn’t start to build or pick up speed until my fitness journey took off. Looking back, I really feel itContinue reading “The shared passion that helped with isolation…”

Embracing Difference with a Disability…

Every time I use an adaption to make something work, there’s still a small part of me that has a thought process of asking what would this look like from someone seeing this for the first time? That mindset is still present all these years later – but the emotion is far far different thanContinue reading “Embracing Difference with a Disability…”