Bodybuilding with a Disability

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Bodybuilding with a Disability - by

http://www.disaboom.com

Reginald " Reggie " of Las Vegas was 13 when he was playing

with a gun that misfired a bullet into his body. This caused a spinal

cord disability that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But 25

years later, in a wheelchair, he is physically stronger than almost

anyone else. He provides an example of bodybuilding with a

disability, an activity that inspires thousands of men and women to

emphasize " ability " while they remain physically fit.

Various groups conduct contests, such as the USA Wheelchair

Championships and the National Physique Committee's Wheelchair

Championships. has won his share of national honors, and he

also has stepped forward as an advocate for bodybuilding among those

with disabilities. He has developed a fitness program called

Rebuilding Athletic Goals with Energy, or Team R.A.G.E., which shows

individuals with disabilities how to develop proper exercise

mechanics and techniques.

What keeps him going? " It is the ability to sculpt my body and to

have a healthier lifestyle, along with the desire to challenge myself

on a physical level, " says. " I have been able to find out

what kind of person I am, and to use my body as a tool to motivate

other spinal cord injury patients to take pride in what they do, and

to not put limits on what they can accomplish. " He notes that various

Web sites and information sources exist, so that a person with a

disability may learn to take up bodybuilding or other forms of

exercise.

Through Team R.A.G.E., conducts speaking engagements,

mentoring and bodybuilding programs to fit the needs of individuals

with and without disabilities. He also promotes nonviolence among at-

risk youth. For a man who lost the use of his body's bottom half,

makes a compelling statement. " Bodybuilding is extremely

important because I think the human body is an unbelievable creation

given to man, " he says. " Plus, it teaches you discipline and

dedication. Bodybuilding has helped me become a better person with my

disability, which allows me to challenge my physical ability. "

's activism goes beyond bodybuilding. He has hosted a local

Las Vegas cable television show called " Navigating Independence " with

a focus on fitness, wellness and other disability issues. He is

certified with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Accessibility Compliance Team of America and serves on Nevada's

Developmental Disabilities Council. He emphasizes that with a

disability " the limitations can be modified to your advantage. " He

points out that even though wheelchair bodybuilding requires strict

discipline, he still enjoys " a burger here and there and maybe even a

pizza, but nothing too crazy. "

He says he will continue to spread the word. " As a motivator you have

to practice what you preach, and that is what I do, "

says. " No matter what happens in your life, you have to work hard at

it and realize that you can do anything you want. "