I didn’t know that this phone call would change my life. The person on the other end of the line astonished me with his open, funny, heartfelt, energized conversation. I laughed, I cried – and, suddenly my life was different. I had entered the ‘Justin Graham WOW Zone’ and my idea for Wonders on Wheels (WOW) was born.
As Justin Graham talks to me, I can’t help but be swept along. I can’t fight the joy – and, why should I? Hearing him talk about his online and live classes is far more than fitness, exercise, and dance …
“It’s. About. Love.” Justin says slowly and with passion. “Fitness has to be fun, or you won’t do it. You will start, but you won’t continue. You need your body… I’ll show people how to love and care for it!”
Justin knows from experience. He once carried 260 pounds on his 5’10 frame.
Justin Graham before Wonders On Wheels (WOW) and now
“I didn’t realize what I was doing to my body! At the time, I didn’t care. I was happy. I had money. So, my body didn’t matter to me. I would go to extravagant buffets 2-3 times a week. However, when I eventually got to the point where my weight and health did matter to me – I struggled. I got so discouraged.”
“Hiring a trainer may be a good option for some, but the one I tried wasn’t right for me. By exploring options, I discovered what does not and, more importantly, what does work for me. I encourage others to do the same.”
On Justin’s journey toward fitness, he learned a lot. He grins as he adds, “I found I could always dance regardless of my weight.”
After falling in love with Zumba, he became a Zumba Instructor. Then, he trained to become a Certified Fitness Instructor, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Mental Toughness Coach, TRX Trainer, and Chair One Instructor.
Not everyone can learn as many fitness options as Justin has mastered, but we can all be encouraged by his experience to try to find one (or, maybe two) that we love.
What did Justin do with all that training? He started WOW – Fitness & Wellness.
When his dad ended up in a wheelchair, Justin was inspired to help him and others in the disability community improve health through fitness. Justin’s voice was somber and slow as he shared, “Just when I got Wonders On Wheels (WOW) going, Dad got Covid-19 and died. It was hard, but I felt I needed to keep going. I was confident that this is what I should be doing.”
Now, Justin offers Wonders On Wheels (WOW) classes online each week day for people of all abilities – sitting and standing. In-person and on-demand options are also available at select times and locations.
Wonders On Wheels (WOW) Class
Jett, a C-6 quadriplegic and regular participant in a Wonders On Wheels (WOW) online class puts is succinctly, “I figure I can do anything for 30 minutes. Even when I don’t think I can do it, I log on just to see my friends and soak up the energy. I usually end up exercising – and I always end up feeling much better.”
I began WOW’s online classes in December 2021. By April 2021, I had skimmed 6” off of my waist, lost a chin, and found my cheekbones. I wear tank tops again. I also got to see several of my friends and family every day for online classes while we were laughing and working out.
I gave certificates to Wonders On Wheels (WOW) classes to 6 friends and relatives for Christmas once. A year later, 3 of the 6 were still doing daily classes. Where else have you seen a 50% retention rate on fitness?
I admit – it is not always easy.
When offering instruction, Justin says firmly, “Tell your body that you are sorry … Tell it, ‘I know that I haven’t always been nice to you, but I love you – so now we are going to make some positive changes.’”
Along the way, Justin learned a lot about things we can control and choices we can make – and things we cannot. He claims “Some people have a bad relationship with their bodies, but I say – if you don’t like it, make an effort to discover what you can do to change it!
Justin offers an analogy that I can relate to. “Take catheters for example – many people must use them because their doctor said they are required to maintain bladder health. No choice. However, people do have options. We can be smart about it, do the research, and try samples in order to choose the best one. It is important. There are consequences of compromising. Your body needs you to make the right choice in healthcare products. I say – go for quality and safety, including avoiding exposure to DEHP.”
When our conversation returned to fitness, diet, and nutrition, Justin got even more animated, as if that were possible. He shared another example to illustrate the power we have if we choose to ‘exercise it’. (Pun intended.)
Justin told me, “Once, I heard someone blame bread for the appearance of her body. However, bread isn’t responsible. It has no control. Each of us are responsible and many fitness choices are within our control. This is good news!
“I love to lead people through the process of deciding to take better care of their body then, helping them do it.”
Justin not only shares encouragement and hope – he also is sharing a special offer to the Cure Nation Community.
For a limited time, Justin Graham is offering Cure Nation readers the opportunity to try a complimentary WOW Dance Fitness, Zumba, Fun Fitness Friday, Weight’n On Wednesday, or Muscle Monday online class. Ask your healthcare provider which class may be beneficial for you. Then, sign up using this link to the CURE NATION FREE TRIAL CLASS: https://www.wowwheelchairfitness.com/free-trial.
For information on Wonders On Wheels (WOW) live classes or personal training sessions in Phoenix, AZ, contact: wowwondersonwheels@gmail.com.
*Cure Medical and Convatec are not affiliated with Wonders On Wheels (WOW) or Justin Graham. Ask your healthcare provider if a WOW online exercise class is right for you.
**Some restrictions may apply.
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