Difficulties around finding clothing that suit my body shape has a direct negative impact on my body image and the absence of people who look like me - in mainstream media has a negative impact on how I feel and look.
I was eight years old when I was diagnosed. The doctor handed my parents brochures for wheelchairs and were told I would need one within the next couple of years.
That was the beginning. Fast forward 12 years and here we are stronger than ever and far too confident for my own good. I started going to the gym at school aged 14 and instantly fell in love with it.
It has not been an easy journey. I was in the gym when I was 16 and one guy asked why are you doing such light weights - that was a huge blow to my confidence and I would encourage people to think for a second and consider others.
Realise that you don’t know what people may be going through. People may have spent weeks building up the courage to go to a public gym and just one stare at them running strangely on the treadmill or one comment about why they are using light weights may break their confidence. I have struggled with this - especially when every other post online is some guy’s shredded six pack or sleeve filling arms.
It wasn’t until recently when I stopped comparing myself to other people and just looked at myself, I realised: I look gooood! I will never have the biggest arms or thickest chest, but all you can do is look at where you have come from and see the journey you have taken. Be proud of the work you’ve put in and keep pushing yourself, even if it seems like nothing is happening. Trust me – it’s taken six whole years to become the lean, mean muffin-topped machine that I am today.
- Before starting exercise, you should talk to your doctor or physiotherapist, especially if you are still undergoing diagnosis or having heart investigations. Our exercise guidelines explain more.