Many people would see cerebral palsy as a barrier to a physically demanding career.

But Connor Johnstone has refused to allow his disability to hold him back.

He’s a fully qualified personal trainer with a degree in sports science and a masters in strength and conditioning.

Now he’s determined to help other people with a disability who struggle exercising in the gym.

But he hasn’t always been so self-confident.

“I may not have been able to perform the movements in the gym that everyone else could, so that used to always be at the back of my mind, or I felt like I wasn’t smart enough,” he said.

“I think that’s just, all those things you tend to label yourself [with], rather than what actually is reality.”

Encouragement from his parents and therapists helped.

“One of the biggest things for me is always trying to find a way to adapt,” he said.

It’s something he also teaches his clients.

“At one of my other practices, there were a lot of children with autism, and I was finding fun ways to do things because they don’t find generic exercises as stimulating or fun,” he said.

Challenging perceptions

Shaznaye Bin Kali, 15, also challenges perceptions of what a typical gym-goer looks like.

She lives with hemiplegia, a condition that has affected the left side of her body, impacting her arms, legs, and facial muscles.

But at her weekly sessions with her dedicated personal trainer, Grant Gillon, she’s found a space where she feels empowered and supported.

“Shaz started, and she hasn’t looked back. She looks forward to coming to see me every Friday,” Grant said.

Shaznaye said she enjoyed playful banter with Grant as she exercises.

“I like lap pull downs, bench press, jumping on the bike, tennis, footy, and frisbee,” she said.

Empathy helps

One of the things that bonded the two was Grant’s later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, which he believes has helped him positively connect with clients who have a disability.

“How I think is very similar to a lot of other people with disabilities, and I can be quite sporadic, and I often need to take a step back and try and settle myself,” he said.

“I know for myself there’s often things that I needed to be repeated quite a few times.”

Grant said he’s learned to be more accommodating.

“That’s probably the biggest one. And thinking on my feet,” he said.

Grant said if things don’t work out during his training sessions with clients, he tries to “keep the momentum going” by moving onto the next thing.

“You can’t dwell too much on it,” he said.

Grant said working with Shaznaye meant a longer set up time to make sure she could train safely.

“We make sure that she’s got a firm grip, or often, I’ll be holding my hand over the top first making sure her grip doesn’t fall off,” Grant said.

“And sometimes we’ll be changing different attachments and handles to see if we can actually get her a little bit of a better grip.”

Grant said he wanted to become a personal trainer because fitness had always been an important part of his life and he wanted to make sure others had the opportunity to participate.

“[The gym] is not always accessible to everyone,” he said.

“I guess that’s probably one of the main motivating factors [for me].”

Push for more PTs with a disability

Grant would like to see more disabled personal trainers in the industry.

“I think the one thing that hinders some people is that they feel inadequate, which can depend on the disability,” he said.

“People might think they won’t be respected due to their disability, or they don’t feel they’re up to par.”

Grant’s advice to any aspiring personal trainer who has a disability would be just getting out there and getting involved in learning through experience.

“I’m very passionate what I do, and I enjoy seeing results,” he said.

“I don’t see what I do is anything like amazing or special. I almost feel selfish because it’s something that I really enjoy.”

Connor feels the same way.

“If you’re passionate about something, you can always make it work.”

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By J Swygart
The Lima News

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Employees of the Shawnee Township Fire Department now have access to updated exercise and fitness equipment, with more devices to arrive soon, following the receipt of a $12,367 grant from Energy Transfer company’s First Responder Fund.

According to Chris Koop, manager of public affairs for the energy logistics company with more than 120,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure located in 44 states, the program is unique as it focuses on cardiovascular health.

“That’s something the public doesn’t usually think about,” he said.

Shawnee Township Fire Department Chief Austin Miller said statistics show a majority of deaths among firefighters are cardio-related. He thanked the Energy Transfer representative for the funding that has already resulted in the purchase of a large weight-lifting machine and numerous dumbbells. Two treadmills and other new devices will arrive soon.

Miller said current equipment in the fire station is showing wear and tear, including some pieces that deteriorated to the point where they are no longer safe to use.

“This grant from Energy Transfer will enable us to replace outdated equipment, ensuring our team can safely exercise and remain fit on the job,” Miller said. “By maintaining our physical health, we can continue to meet the rigorous demands of our profession and provide the highest level of service to our community.”

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The chief commended firefighter/paramedic Christie Kerby for taking the lead on the grant application, saying her “dedication and hard work made all of this possible.”

Kerby said firefighters are required to work out for an hour each day and must meet fitness incentive requirements and undergo annual physical testing and health exams.

“Health and wellness is very important, not just for us but also for the community we serve,” she said.

The newly purchased equipment has been placed, due to its massive size, in a garage located behind the fire station. Other fitness equipment remains in the basement of the firehouse but will be moved into the garage area soon.

“At that point we will invite the (township) police department and township employees to join us and use the equipment after things are all set up,” Miller said.

The new exercise equipment could be moving again in the not-too-distant future. Miller said discussions surrounding a new fire station are in the early stages, and a new facility could become a reality in the next two or three years.

(c)2024 The Lima News (Lima, Ohio)
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Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully-developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.

Digvijay Singh Rathee, recently evicted from ‘Bigg Boss 18’, has made a name for himself as a fitness enthusiast. With his first appearance on the reality show ‘Roadies’, the 26-year-old has been in the limelight for his well-built physique and six-pack abs. His journey to achieving a well-built body is inspiring and can serve as a guide for anyone looking to enhance their physical fitness. Regarding his abs, our expert, Varnit Yadav, exercise coach had a few tips on getting the perfect body. 

Strength Training

The Bigg Boss 18 ex-contestant incorporates various strength training exercises into his routine, focusing on major muscle groups. His workouts typically include weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and dips that enhance functional strength.

Running Early In The Morning

To maintain cardiovascular health and manage body fat, Digvijay integrates cardio workouts into his weekly schedule. It consists of running or jogging for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity running several times a week.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Digvijay Rathee opts for short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods to maximize calorie burn.

Regular Intake Of Meal

For his workout, the former Splitsvilla contestant opts for meals at an interval of three hours. Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes play an important role in supporting muscle repair for the youngster. 

Adequate Sleep 

Understanding that recovery is vital for muscle growth and overall health, Digvijay emphasises having quality sleep. He ensures to have adequate sleep each night to allow the body to recover. 

ALSP READ: Ram Kapoor’s Incredible 42 Kg Weight Loss: Actor Once Followed 16/8 Intermittent Fasting, Expert Weighs

Expert Tips On Getting Six-Pack Abs

Achieving six-pack abs is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts, and requires a strategic combination of exercise, nutrition, and consistency. Regarding the same, our expert, Varnit Yadav, exercise and nutrition coach, gave a few tips. To take your body to the point where those abs are visible and popping out, you have to act on the following. 

• Keep dropping your body weight till you are satisfied with the body fat composition

• Creating a calorie deficit is crucial, which can be achieved by eating less, exercising more, or both.

• Ensure a high protein diet when reducing calories to preserve your hard-earned muscle mass; 1.5grams per kg of body weight should be a decent place to be in (considering you are staying reasonably active)

• Prioritise sleeping 7 or more hours to ensure the most optimum results 

• Supplement if required with necessary vitamins and minerals if you are not able to meet them from your diet

• Strength training at least 3-5 times a week will ensure consistent progress

• Treat your abs like any other muscle in your body, but do not overtrain them, as it will be counterproductive. You can train your abs three times a week by including movements such as hanging leg raises, crunches, planks, etc.

Achieving a well-defined six-pack is a dream for many fitness enthusiasts, but it’s essential to prioritize your overall health and well-being in the process. Before embarking on any intense exercise regimen, it’s highly advisable to consult with a dietitian or fitness expert. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you follow a balanced approach that supports your fitness goals while safeguarding your body.