Disabilities

Hi,

Was wondering if anyone had any experience training with a disability? I have a genetic connective tissue disorder which causes hypermobility and joint instability along with chronic pain. I started weight lifting as a way of improving the situation and it had been going really well. However my knees and hips have never really gotten much better and after seeing a specialist this week it was said that I'd lose most of the use of my legs within the next ten years.
Unfortunately the damage was done years before I even knew I had the condition and it is irreversible

As I have to face up to life in a wheelchair in the future I have been told by many to give up training. My doctor on the otherhand has said that I am ok to train as long as I focus on anything except for the hips downwards. Can this be done? I really don't want to give up training but I have never seen or heard of anyone bodybuilding in a chair let alone competing.

Apologies if I sound a bit of an idiot, it's all come as a bit of a shock and not quite sure where to turn!

Abi x

I know there are at least 3 bbers in chairs on MT
 
Here's one:
 
http://articles.muscletal...lchairbodybuilder.aspx

Ah thank you all so much! I am definitely still going to train, Someone had mentioned Victor Konovalov before but they'd spelt his name wrong and I couldn't find him.

I've got to now find a new gym, my current gym is not wheelchair friendly at all as all the machines are packed together quite close and the free weight section is up some steps. I've got a gym induction at another gym that they claim to be wheelchair friendly so have my fingers crossed it's suitable. I'm glad I have equipment at home to use in the meantime!

Thanks for the suggestions and gymbabeliz I am sure in a couple of years there will be a women's class time to get my thinking cap on and work out where to go from here!

found this -
http://www.wheelchair-bodybuilding.com/
 

Fab thank you!

I am all fired up now, it may be a long journey but it's definitely one I will face!

Thanks for the replies, you've given me the kick up the backside I needed!

IFBB Pro Wheelchair bodybuilder Dan Smith is in the US at the mo for his pro debut in the pro wheelchair class - check back in a couple of days for pics and results.
 

Thanks James will keep a look out!

I haven't been able to find any female wheelchair bodybuilders yet though, have emailed a wheelchair bodybuilding member and will see what they say.

Thanks again all :)

Well you know what - everyone has to start somewhere, so if there isn't a class for women, fight for one! I think the men's classes are relatively recent - and are picking up in popularity too

flick161


Well you know what - everyone has to start somewhere, so if there isn't a class for women, fight for one! I think the men's classes are relatively recent - and are picking up in popularity too

 
I am no where near ready, had a break in training whilst I adjusted to medication but I'm back on it, have been looking into starting this off, sent a few emails to different places but aside from that I have no idea where to begin, I think for now I'll focus on the training and adjusting my diet again. I'm sure there must be other females in the UK in similar situations!