Handicapable Fitness with James Norris

Handi Capable Fitness (HCF), was born from the inspiration of
founder James Norris and his trainer, Joe. Joe realized that the
journey James was on—from enthusiastic, but not-so physically fit
to hosting the annual HCF Walk—had the potential to encourage
others to take on the same challenge. James created an Instagram
account to share both his successes and failures with other Handi
Capable athletes. After just the first few video posts of James
working out, the positive feedback was overwhelming. There was
clearly a need for an organization like HCF.


HCF is a platform designed to help folks achieve their
goals—whatever they may be. We want others to experience the huge
satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges of all forms.
When that’s a physical challenge, that means actively willing
your body to be stronger, better and capable of pushing harder.


From James:


I was born three months premature. I weighed 2.5 pounds and
measured 11.75” from head to toe; that’s shorter than a Velveeta
box. I stayed in the hospital for three months, and my Mom would
tell me years later she would wear the same perfume everyday so I
would know she was there. About a month after being released, I
was rushed to the hospital to undergo an emergency hernia
surgery. During the procedure, the tube that was to deliver my
oxygen was not taped to my mouth; I moved during surgery and was
deprived of oxygen for five minutes. At the time, it was unclear
if I was going to survive. By the grace of God, I did.


Before my second birthday, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy
(CP). There are many different types and severities of CP; my
type affects my legs and left arm, leaving me with poor balance
and limited use of my arm. As a child, I had many surgeries on my
back, ankles, hips, and hamstrings, each with the goal of
loosening the muscles to increase range of motion and
flexibility. This, of course, was followed by years of physical
therapy . . . and let me tell you, I HATED IT! That being said,
my parents, teachers, and physical therapist didn’t let me off
the hook that easy, and thanks to them, I was able to use braces
and a walker.


I’d always been a huge sports fan, so my parents got me involved
in Challenger baseball and basketball. I immediately fell in
love. Every Friday night, I became either Mo Vaughn or Michael
Jordan.


My whole fitness journey has inspired me to learn more so I can
help other adaptive athletes (which I call handi-capable
athletes) achieve their goals. HCF has become a platform for me
to do this as effectively as I possibly can. Through HCF, I now
communicate with folks from Boston, from all corners of the US,
and from all around the world. I’ve participated in and assisted
others through Spartan Races, lost more than 50 pounds, climbed
40-foot rock walls, and am in the gym 1-2 times a day. I push my
own physical limits to show myself and the HCF community that
with the right mindset, the right community, and the right
motivations, there is literally nothing that can hold us back.


Handi Capable Fitness exists to help, inspire, and highlight
others who are faced with challenges. No challenge should stop
someone from doing amazing things.


handicapablefitness.com


@handi_capable_fitness


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