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when I began training martial arts , which quickly became my passion . After the accident , I was unable for a time to compressively load my spine or lift anything heavier than 5kg .
“ But my fitness has literally saved my life .”
With this second chance at life , Barton started doing body weight exercises , adapting to his injuries so he could heal and get his fitness back . Just over three years later with perseverance and hard work , he has regained his livelihood , and his mobility and strength .
Late last year , Barton completed a unique fitness challenge to raise funds for Royal Rehab .
He set out to be the first person in the world to complete 1,000 dead lifts ( 60kg weight ) and 1,000 push ups in one hour .
He used the challenge , which he undertook at Herb Greedy Hall in Marrickville , to showcase the difference Royal Rehab made in his recovery journey .
“ I also wanted to inspire others who have been through similar experiences to see there is hope for the future ,” he said .
Barton raised $ 2,450 for Royal Rehab during the challenge , which he completed in just over the one hour time frame he was hoping to break .
“ Nobody had ever done what I did before , so my time of 83 minutes is a world record ,” he said .
“ The hour time limit was one I imposed on myself , as I believe I could do it in an hour . Circumstances on the day meant I didn ’ t make that time , but I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of .
" I will be doing the challenge again in my gym at home , with two witnesses to prove to myself it can be done in under an hour !
“ I ’ m able to do this challenge due to the care and support I received at
Royal Rehab for five weeks . I should not even be able to walk , so I ’ m forever grateful for all the support they gave me .”
Barton now enjoys helping others in their own fitness journey . Having had to adapt his own training after the accident , led Barton to develop his own unique training system , which he calls the Hench Fit system .
“ Hench Fit utilises your own body weight for resistance and minimal equipment ,” he said .
“ My aim as a trainer is to pass on this knowledge and experience to others and help them to be the best they can be .” www . henchfit . com www . royalrehab . com . au linkonline . com . au people
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