Editor’s Note: This is a different type of article than we typically post here in Machine Muscle. I only recently found out about Nick’s story and I really wanted him to share it with all of you guys! After reading this I want YOU to really ask yourself what is holding YOU back from success? Here is a great story from Nick Maruca, I hope it inspirers all of you like it did for me!

-Kyle

 

Hello everyone! My name is Nick Maruca. This is my first story here at Machine Muscle, and first time ever having anything of mine published in any fashion. I know you all do not know who I am, but I wanted to share my story because I believe it is something that many of you could benefit from reading.

 

As a little background, I am currently 21 years old, in my junior year of college studying Exercise Science. I am a certified kettlebell trainer as well as in other alternative styles of training such as battling ropes, various sled workouts, tire training and PVC Pipe Training. I have been involved in fitness all my life, and it is a sincere passion of mine…anyway off to my story.

 

When I was one year old, I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Dipleagia. Basically, for those that may not know, it is a physical, and sometimes mental, disability that in my case, affected my lower extremities. I had to go through countless hours of physical therapy as a child, walked with braces on my legs for years, and just had to deal with a lot when I was younger. I had two very intense surgeries to correct my gait, one when I was only 6 years old, and the other when I was 14.

 

People told my mother that they were not sure if I would ever be able to live a normal life again. It was unsure if I would be able to live outside of wheelchair, be able to interact with normal children, and just perform the everyday tasks that so many of us take for granted. I am so lucky that I have been able to live the life that I do, and to be able to better the lives of those around me.

 

Luckily, my mother never listened to those people who had such negative views on my disability. She treated me like I was a normal child, and that made a huge impact on the way I lived, and continue to live, my life. After my first surgery, I began to play soccer on a competitive team. This became my physical therapy for many years to come. I played every sport in the book: soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, you name it, and I played it. I never saw myself as a person that was different, and neither did anyone else around me. The support I was shown by my family, friends, and coaches gave me the ability and courage to believe in myself.

 

As I have gotten older now, that self belief is something I hold dear and I preach to many of the people I come in contact with. Two of the main things I want you to get out of reading my story are this…Always believe in yourself, and never, ever, give up. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. Do not let someone tell you that you cannot accomplish your goals and dreams. Whenever someone tries to put you down, show them that you are strong. Continue to work as hard as you can to accomplish your dreams. Some people never thought I’d be able to do the things I have accomplished in my life, and honestly, sometimes I think it is a miracle that I have.

 

There are some people that tell me they feel bad for me, but they are the people that do not know me. They are the people that do not realize that there is not a single reason to feel bad for me. I can do anything anyone else can, and I have the determination to be the best in everything I do. No one ever gave me a reason to feel bad for myself, and I never will. I took the card that God dealt to me and life and turned it into a positive. You always have to do your best to have a positive attitude in life. Yes, there are times where things may get tough, but you have to find the strength in yourself to get up and keep on moving.

As the story goes on, I played sports all the way up until high school, when I knew I was not going to be able to compete at that level anymore. Again, there was another God send in my life. My father found a Strength and Conditioning program that was being taught at the high school I would attend, in 8th grade. After my second surgery, I went to that program. I went there with casts on both my legs, up to my knees, and gave it everything I had every time I stepped foot in that gym. It became my outlet for my need to be an athlete and turned into my passion. I began lifting and the strength coach, who was also the defensive coordinator for the football team, asked me if I wanted to help out as the team manager. So, I of course said yes. Ever since then, football and training have been the passions in my life. I also began coaching the freshman team once I started high school, and I still continue to do so this day. I work as an assistant trainer at my high, in the same program that I used to attend. My senior year of high school, I was able to suit up for our senior night varsity football game. The stands were full to capacity of people that were there for me. It was a dream of mine to play football, and for that one night, I was able to finally achieve that dream. Players I coached throughout the years came back, in support, and just everyone was there because they knew the hard work and dedication that I put in devotion to my team. For the past 8 years I have devoted my life to helping others. To me, it is so important to give back to those who supported you.

 

I train and coach young kids because I want them to realize that anything is possible. If you are reading this, you too need to realize the same thing. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is impossible. It is important to me to make a difference in the lives of the people I come in contact with. We all need to try and be good to one another, and to reach out to those that need us. Remember, anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself, and never give up.

 

Thank you so much for  those that read this and please check out the attached video from my youtube channel KeepBelievingFitness.

If you want to contact me you can email me at nick.maruca@temple.edu

 

Sincerely,

 

Nick Maruca

 

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