Why Is That Guy Always Doin’ Push – Ups?

I have a physical disability — Cerebral Palsy — which affects the way I move and talk.

If you don’t know what CP is, it’s basically a neurological disorder that affects physical movements and speech patterns.

In basic terms, it’s like getting a stroke at birth. Usually cause of crappy doctors using bad tools on newborns babies. That’s what happened to yours truly.

Cases of cerebral palsy range from the mild (jerking movements when walking) to extremely severe (being stuck in a wheel chair forever).

Thankfully, my cerebral palsy ain’t that severe. It’s really mild. It just affects my right side.

Leaving me with a spastic right arm and leg. As well a weird way of talking.

I’m actually pretty independent though. Can go anywhere I want without anyone’s help. And thank you Jesus for that.

But just because I can move on my own — doesn’t mean I don’t have any struggles. Or awkward situations happen to me.

Sometimes I have trouble grabbing stuff. Small stuff like cups and such.

I’m tripping over my feet, consistently.

And people always think I’m drunk — cause of my jerking movements.

What a life, huh?

I used to get so sad and angry cause of it.

To be honest, I still get mad. Not outright livid like I used to get. But sometimes hobbling around the street and having girls stare at you oddly can bruise the ego a bit, you know?

The other annoying thing comes from my past of trying to do sports.

I love, love, love sports, such as rugby, football and MMA. But my body is too messed up to compete with the big professional types…

… You know the big types. Like MJ, Steph Curry. Or Brock Lesnar.

Now, I’m not gonna be like Mike. And shoot clutch jumpers against the Utah Jazz. But, I swear to you, when I shave my head bald — I feel just like him.

Bald Head King.

One of my many Role Models

Despite my dreams of being a professional athlete pulled from under me — I still find myself putting a bunch of hours in the gym or doing push – ups in the middle of my living room…

… Why is that?

‘Cause it makes me feel amazing.

It’s my engine — fueling me.

Okay so, for regular everyday people — leaving the gym makes them feel good. Then they go on with their day.

But for me and probably others alike — the gym is our day.

Fitness isn’t a choice. It isn’t a want. It’s a need.

I noticed this the hard way…

… Last spring, I went 4 months without working out.

No weights. No push – ups. Nothing.

Wanna know what happened?

Everything hurt, bad.

I was having leg issues. And back issues. It sucked.

But after one visit to the gym — I came out of there feeling like a new man.

I’m not BSing you either.

My back was stiff and stuff. Then I hit the Lat Pulldown machine and felt so so so freaking good after. God bless those machines.

Back then, I forgot that since I have a physical disability like CP — fitness needs to happen, even when I don’t wanna do it.

Like shaving your head in the military. It must be done.

So that’s why I’m always talking about fitness on this blog.

It’s super important to me.

And it’s making my life just a bit easier everyday…

… Overall, I think fitness helps everyone in some way, shape or form.

Some people wanna look good. Some people wanna be healthier. Fine by me.

I just wanna walk around pain and stiff free, you know?

— Jamual