Relentless Training- The First Fully Functional Quadraplegic

Hey Team,

In my last post I listed the top balance exercises that I recommend for those with disabilities looking to improve balance, stability, and control.

I spoke on how over stimulation of the Central Nervous System is in my belief a significant factor in improving mind muscle connection.

I strongly believe, and research does show that intensive physical training yields positive results for those recovering from disabilities.

I started to think about a man named Patrick Rummerfield, I remember in my early days working with Spinal Cord Injury patients hearing the stories about Patrick and how he was relentless in his training. The Stories about how he would have someone load cuff weights on his legs and set him up on a bike to cycle even though he was barely able to make a movement. How he would do this daily, and how eventually he was  able to move, then able to complete a full revolution on the bike, then stand, and ultimately walk.

I remember seeing him during a Spinal Cord Injury rally, and being inspired all over again, It is Patrick's Never Give Up attitude that motivates me to want to motivate anyone with or without a disability to improve themselves.... to improve myself.

He has a quote that says it all on his site “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Sir Winston Churchill

That speaks volumes to me, and it should to everyone. Keep pushing, be relentless....Whatever the struggles, Whatever the disability, Whatever the difficulty stay consistent and push a little more every day!

Check out Patrick's site here:

http://www.rummerfield.com/index.php?page=1

Keep Fighting, Never Give Up!

-Devon

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Adaptive Fitness Video with Spinal Cord Injury client

Hey Team,

Wanted to share a video of a training session that has been focusing on High volume leg training.

We have been working on leg strength and balance for walking, but I have recently been pushing this client with increased volume of specific exercises.

My goal is to stimulate his nervous system by stressing him physically:  his leg strength, breathing, cardio endurance as well as muscular endurance and Mentally: forcing him to work outside his comfort zone

Rest breaks are taken as needed, but no longer than 60 seconds.

This client has made tremendous gains, and continues to do so.

Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/twUbwnlnEPE

Let me know what you think.


-Devon

Boxing Fitness for Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury Rehab

In may of 2012 professional boxer and former middleweight champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams was in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He received his rehab following surgery to stabilize his spine at one of the top ten ranked rehab hospitals in the nation, Shepard Center.

It was reported in an article by USA Today:

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/story/2012-06-13/paul-williams-paralyzed-rehab/55572548/1

that Paul had asked for a mitt man to come in so that he could start throwing some punches again.

I was pleased to read that Paul was going to continue to train in boxing as he continues to rehab following his accident. It is my hope that boxing fitness for rehab will get noticed as a great tool for recovery.

Boxing is a fitness tool that I have found very useful working with post Stroke and SCI clients. There are so many ways to implement a sound strengthening and endurance program based on just boxing components that will also focus on coordination and balance.

The boxing stance alone is one that will challenge a clients balance and core stabilization.

This is usually a difficult stance for anyone to perform, but when you take into account someone with hemiparesis, poor balance, poor endurance or trunk control and it makes this stance very difficult to maintain.

Throwing a punch from this stance is additional difficulty, but so beneficial for someone with a neurological condition.

 So much mind muscle communication is needed for the movement in throwing a punch to happen, if that neuro pathway is weak then challenging yourself with an activity like throwing a proper punch repeatedly will help to improve mind muscle communication or to retrain your ability to do so.

A study recently highlighted the benefits of a boxing fitness through wii gaming for chronic stroke survivors and proved it to be a beneficial exercise program for improving endurance and maintaining optimal health.

Click here:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3148966/

There are so many ways to implement a strong boxing fitness routine for any individual. Stroke, SCI, Seniors everyone can benefit from a boxing fitness program and any boxing fitness program can be adapted to your needs.

Check out this wheelchair boxing fitness girl fight!:

For more information on a boxing fitness program for you contact me: palermodevon@gmail.com

Keep Fighting, Never Give Up!-Devon