Despite not being able to lift a Sandow trophy in his bodybuilding career, Flex Wheeler is one of the most important names in bodybuilding history. The winner of 4 Arnold Classic trophies was a keeper of an enormous and well-built physique. Even though he had great strength at his peak time, he suffered circumstances led by his multiple surgeries. Notably, Wheeler has undergone more than 40 surgeries till now.
However, recently, the IFBB legend shared a video of a woman who broke the barriers in pursuing her fitness passion. Her physical abilities have a resemblance to that of Wheeler’s, as both of them are leg amputees. Sharing her video, the Arnold Classic winner wanted to encourage others. Let’s get to know more about the video.
Flex Wheeler debunked excuses
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Wheeler, 57, is now working as a fitness instructor through his online coaching website. He frequently updates his social media by advising on concerned issues related to the sport. The American bodybuilder feels it is imperative to take care of mental health along with physical well-being to gain the ultimate result.
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However, recently, the veteran shared a video on his Instagram story that read, “If you have an excuse? I don’t want to hear it.” The video featured a woman who had amputated legs but was hitting the gym hard. The post originated from the page named Amputee Coalition, and they added this motivational snippet of Natalia Mayara. Evidently, she couldn’t perform sit-ups for her condition, so she made her own version and used a seated leg curl bench for that.
Natalia didn’t only complete the workout, she did many repetitions of the same. However, her story is indeed a gentle reminder of that of Wheeler’s. As the bodybuilding pro also lost his leg to a rare disease and ended up getting an amputation. But his story didn’t end there, it’s definitely his incredible mental strength that the Arnold Classic trophy holder still works out wearing his artificial coalition.
Wheeler has gone beyond the barriers against his hardships
Significantly, Wheeler had to face several health issues since he was a teenager. He had struggled with dyslexia while in school. In fact, his hardships reached their peak when Wheeler had suicidal tendencies after being bullied in school. Evidently, bodybuilding was the only resort he found to envelope all his difficulties.
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Unfortunately, even after getting a kidney transplant in 2003, things didn’t get better, and his suffering from a rare kidney disease continued. Wheeler had FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), which eventually led to his leg amputation in 2019.
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