FEATS OF GREATNESS
good work ethic . I just wish I could be the main bread winner ,” he sighs .
James adapts his training to enable him to grip weights effectively and maintain an impressive physique .
“ People are often astonished when they learn of my dystonia after seeing pictures of me ,” he admits . “ I can hold weights but my fingers curl inwards involuntarily . My left thumb is the worst . It can be so frustrating in the gym but I just get on with it- I have to . I don ’ t let my disability control my life .”
In true ‘ Feats of Greatness ’ style , James has set himself some big goals this year .
“ I ’ ve started doing motivational speaking ,” he says . “ I ’ ve had one hell of a journey with my story . I now want to inspire as many people as possibleespecially children- along the way . I also want to have my own gym in the near future . I want to create a space that my clients feel comfortable ina space without prejudice where disability is largely understood and there is no judgement .”
James hopes there is scope for improvement in his condition , as he
prepares to travel to the US for new treatment .
“ I plan to go to America for new treatment but if it doesn ’ t work , then never mind ,” he says . “ I ’ ve accepted my condition now ,” he continues . “ If it does work , then that ’ s a massive bonus but not an expectation . If it fails , I ’ ll just keep moving forwards and dealing my condition as I do now . Coaching people with all types of disabilities and illnesses helps me to inspire through fitness and to show my support to others as so many people have done for me .”
APRIL 2018 / MUSCLE & FITNESS 2 5