Bodybuilder Jonny Simpson – An inspiring living example
A hundred years back, bodybuilders were generally classified as freaks, they performed at circuses and were considered an object of art.
With time and research their art was apparently determined to be beneficial for muscle development, thereby being a healthy activity that in turn may even exceed the life span of the average person due to a number of reasons that we now know.
Cardiac usage, burning of fats (cholesterol) and calories, endurance and strength gaining not only helped a man (or woman) look good but also increased the chances of fitness of body and health, thereby increasing the chances of survival.
Genetic deficiencies, however, are not under a man’s control and can make or break any human being whether in the field of sports or that of life. Nonetheless, Jonny Simpson is a man at war with nature itself. At 23, he is the first European contender as a bodybuilder who simultaneously suffers from Cystic fibrosis (CF).
For those of you who don’t know the effects of CF; it is basically a disease that causes the clogging of lungs making it difficult to breathe. Apart from respiration, an essential component to both exercise and maintain a healthy life itself, a variety of other problems such as sinal infections, diarrhea, infertility and improper digestion all affect the person suffering from the disease. That is why most people suffering with the disease have short life spans, usually lasting only up to their 20’s and 30’s.
As for sportspeople, modern approaches to all sports means coming back to the gym for atleast some body part’s training; if not for the whole body, for nearly every sport in the world. Therefore it is well understood in the sports community that training is not an easy feat. Yet today we see this young man fighting against his own system and it comes to one’s mind how far can we fight against the tides of fate itself. Some say it is in our own hands.
Jonny Simpson is living proof and after this week’s competition his appreciation of life will definitely inspire the average man of striving in life no matter what. Apparently Simpson’s passion for bodybuilding transformed him from a skinny 7 stone boy to an 11 stone bodybuilder. He was noted as being apprehensive and slightly excited before competing alongside the other 15 competitors.
Simpson has a highly defined physical structure, with concentration apparent at the coupons and moderate amounts of torso and arm development. The forearms, though in shape, lack size; portraying the remnants of a skinny past.
The professional past of this CF sufferer may evidently seem tough with the constant fight with the environment and the body itself. Simpson however faces a greater challenge in his personal life as well. Girlfriend Miranda Hudson (21), also a CF sufferer, recently went through a series of chemotherapy and double transplants in the US and Simpson was by her side, flying across the globe even when the competition was only 2 months away. He was noted as having said “We both know all too well the importance of the here and now.” Strong words from a strong man.
The example of Jonny Simpson should be applied to lives across the globe for instilling confidence in both the average man and the victims of environmental or inherent detrimental conditions. It is explicit from his story that the fight to go on is the most important factor. Simpson says that even if he loses the competition he will still try for the one in October.
It should be a lesson to us average and blessed people who blame restraints of time and capability on our lack of exercising daily while ending up fat and discontent with ourselves. If a man with an unconventional genetic structure and turbulent personal life can hold on and compete against the forces of nature, it is not our priorities that are holding us back of achieving the best in life; it is our lethargic attitude.
Parents with children suffering from this disease must learn from Simpson’s passion as well and not restrain their children from pursuing their dreams. As Jonny himself says that it is the importance of here and now.
Disclaimer: The writers' opinions are his own and do not represent Bettor.com's editorial policy
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