strongmantevin

[strongmantevin]

Bouncing Back

11 months ago I was in a completely different place physically and mentally. I had lost everything I from my personal belongings to my workout equipment because I was listening to the wrong influences. I got away from what made me the person I am today. I left the A because I needed a “Reset” I spent the summer with my sister Missey from May 2020-June 2020. I know that two months will seem like a short amount of time in the eyes the audience but for me they were perhaps the longest two months in my life. I had just came through an ordeal of living with someone I thought had my best interest at heart but I had to learn that not everyone wants to see you win. I stayed in a situation thinking that I could help someone who was sick not realizing that I was dragging myself down into their same draining mindset. The worst part of it all was I starting to lose faith in The Lord Jesus Christ who had brought me through so many obstacles. I couldn’t believe that I was capable of falling so far from grace losing who I was and feeling God’s spirit slip. I literally had to leave that Toxic situation immediately. I felt so distraught for allowing myself to be disrespected and not protecting my family name let alone my brand name. I’m thankful that the Lord allowed me to walk away from the situation and Go back home and be with my FAMILY. God used my family and close friends to bring me back to not only who I was but I was beginning to mature into the MAN God called me to be. Luke 22:31-34 details a conversation between the Lord and Peter where he tells Peter that enemy has desired to sift you as wheat but I have prayed for you that your faith fails not. God used Missey to sharpen the areas I lacked from organization skills to helping me realize that I always have the ability to change my situation. When I came home the only space that I had was her living room floor which is what you see in the picture. I didn’t have any dumbbells or medicine balls or Lebert EQ’s. I had the ground where I started from. I was finally able to work on the basics of Movement. I was able to BOUNCE BACK due to my ability to recognize full responsibility for everything I lost. I’m learning to embrace each day knowing that I am headed in the right direction.

I’m also learning that there is no problem with asking for help in any given situation. I pray that my readers find a support system like mine because I don’t think I would have gotten anywhere without them. I’ll have more stumbling blocks come my way but at least I’m a stronger person from this experience. I love you guys until next time the StrongMan is Out.

[strongmantevin]

Re-Introduction

Good evening everyone I would like to start off by welcoming back all of my readers. I’m officially going to start blogging about my journey after a two year hiatus. I appreciate everyone who has supported me through my various trials and tribulations. I’ve shared my story throughout various platforms on social media for about the last 10 years. I’ve shared how I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I’ve told the story of how I received my walker countless times. I don’t need to explain my love for fitness because the average person could just look up buster_the_strongman I can easily be found on social media. I’m back with a new sense of Clarity. I look forward to a fresh start and I will be back next week to speak to you guys see you God Speed.

[strongmantevin]

Driver’s Seat part 3

Ladies and gentlemen I am back for the final installment in The Driver’s Seat series. I detailed in parts 1 and 2. My journey to getting to my current position. I left off with stating that I failed the 2nd portion of my learners permit having to do with the laws. I was very well versed but when it came time to take the test I froze up mentally and failed to take my time. I spent about a day in a half beating myself up about it and replaying my mental areas. I am thankful for my support system for setting me straight. I had my brothers Teddy and Erion who told me to just relax and calm down. My sister Candra who kept reminding me not to dwell too long and keep moving forward. My mentor Marcus Williams made me feel like I was a boxer in the ring corner after a round with his coaching and pep talks. I preceded to study and go over my mistakes. June 14th 2019 is a day that will go down in history forever. I was able to finally obtain my learners permit on this day. The studying and the encouragement from my support system paid off(Thank you Jesus). I was finally able to lift the weight off of my shoulders. I traded in my old ID that I carried around for almost 5 years for a new one. I remember on July 2nd 2014 when my sister Candra took me over to the DMV in Thomaston Georgia to get my ID made. (

I was not strong enough to hold my self up to stand for the picture so she stood behind me. I couldn’t help but cry on the inside because of everything that I had been through up to that point. I really needed that victory. God showed himself to be real to me and reminded me that he was still fighting for me. I type this to my readers to remind everyone that God will come through for y’all too. I discovered a new freedom with my learners permit. I could no longer hold myself back from accomplishing anything. I overcome my insecurities that I had in high school about driving. I’m past the point of having my friends take me everywhere. I named this series “The Driver’s Seat”because I am in full control of where I want to go and I’m going to do what I can do.

I’m going to close with Tev’s takeaways and from the bottom of my heart please look out for my next series “Training Day behind the wheel”

1. Take your time whenever you are going through a test.

2. Never let your insecurities hold you back from succeeding

3. Surround yourself with positive people who genuinely want you to succeed.

4. YOU are Unstoppable

[strongmantevin]

“The Driver’s Seat part 2”

I finished part 1 of the series “The Driver’s Seat” leading into the life changing moment that gave me the initial angst to take on the challenge of learning how to drive. I want to say around December 2018 finally got the opportunity to meet my very good friend Marcus Williams. I’ve discussed Marcus in previous posts wether it be about Golf All Core 360 or painting for the veterans with United Way. Marcus would always pick me up on our many trips across Atlanta.I could not help but notice how Marcus was able to maneuver the car through traffic with relative ease with just the use of one hand sometimes his index fingers on the hand control (fancy expert driver💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾). I finally went to Marcus after about 2-3 trips one day in late March early April and was like “ hey family I want to learn to drive like you and he responded with “oh yeah” I was like yeah man and he said “Solid” (his catchphrase💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾). Marcus took me to the DMV on Whitehall Street after a session at All Core 360 to pick up a Driving Manual thus beginning the studying period for my learners permit. I did what ever I could to prepare. I would study at least 10 minutes during my lunch break at work. I began reading the book one section at a time. I even downloaded the app. The app was neat because I had an electronic version of the book for when I left my book bag. I was also able to take practice tests to prepare for the real thing. I had spent the entirety of 2 and a half months and the day had finally come to take the test for my learners permit. I knew the practice test questions like the back of my hand. June 6th 2019 was a day that I cannot forget I arrived at the DMV around 1 or 2PM signed in waited until my name was called I just knew that I would pass and I would be one step closer to jumping over this obstacle. I took the test and I passed the road signs with ease but I ended up failing the section with the laws. I was a little sad that I failed my learners test but I didn’t stay down long.I want you guys to stay tuned to part 3 to see how I bounced back from my experience.

[strongmantevin]

“The Driver’s seat Part 1”

The Strongman experience is back after a much needed rest. I have learned that it is very important to take a step back and take inventory on the various life experiences I face then build towards moving forward. I started this blog back in January with the purpose of talking about things in my past and people that have brought me to my current position. I was not in control when I was brought into the world. I didn’t have a choice when it came down to wether I would have CP or not. I believe that God allowed my parents to make a choice to have children and I be born with CP. I cite these instances to remind myself and my readers that life events happen within our control and beyond our control.

“ The Driver’s Seat” is the name of this week’s entry.

I’m currently 27 going on 28 November 2nd ( bless my cashapp y’all 😂😂😂😂). My journey to get my driver’s license all started in High School like every other Teenager around 16 or 17. My Mom and Dad would take me to Matthews Field Parking Lot and get a few rounds of driving in their vehicles. I thought I would be up for the challenge as always because I had been up for challenges my whole life. I got a great feel for being behind the wheel. My Mom had shown me how to find the gas and the brake with my feet. The time had finally come to study to take my learners permit test but I Of all people gave up on learning to drive at that time because I truly felt that the process wasn’t for me. I had no doubt shame guilt or whatever name can be attached to the situation. I had this belief because I at the time always thought my family would be around to take me places. I didn’t not trust my hand and eye coordination skills on the road either. I had seen in YouTube videos during my college years (2010-2016) where others with my similar condition learned to drive. I didn’t believe that would be me though the video didn’t lie on the participants. My brother Teddy and my best friend Jarvis Blessett had always pushed me to drive all throughout 2017 and 2018 but I always dismissed their encouragement because I lacked confidence in myself. One major event occurred in the latter half of 2018 going into 2019 that allowed the light-bulb to come on in my head so to speak. I will continue this story in part 2.

[strongmantevin]

“Pinning the Odds”

The Strongman Experience is back this week after a month long hiatus. I want to thank everyone who has read each post and followed my Journey so far. I am blessed with each post because of the opportunity to impact someone else’s life in a positive way. The pieces of my story that I share on social media mean so much to me. The name Strongman Experience is about my brand and some of my personal experiences. “Pinning The Odds” is the title for this week’s installment please enjoy below.

I want to start off this post with talking about the very last word in the title Odds”.

Odds are used to describe how likely or unlikely that an event will occur based on factors within or beyond human control. Odds tend to bring us human beings a sense overwhelming hope or overwhelming uncertainty depending on the situation. The odds of my twin brother Teddy and I being able to lead productive lives in spite of our physical ailments wasn’t relatively high.

Premature babies tend to have lower birth weights (born weighing 2lbs check). Developmental delays are present ( I couldn’t walk on my own until I was 6 check). I cannot leave out the fact that my handwriting was not legible until the second grade. Odds will be much better when a person has the right support system around them to thrive in spite of various obstacles. I mentioned in an earlier post concerning the “Facebook post that changed my life “how Teddy and I have climbed some mountains to success and are still climbing this very day.

I realize that I’ve spent all of my life “Pinning the Odds”. I never really got an adequate picture on the true meaning until I became a high school wrestler. I always wanted to play sports growing up. CP really limited my ability. my legs were weak and frail and I couldn’t run to keep up with other kids. I grew up in Thomaston Georgia where Football was king and there were no adaptive athletic facilities for a person with a disability. The rehabilitation clinic in warm springs located 30 minutes from Thomaston had sports leagues available but the cost of gas and my parents work schedules took that move off the board. I grew up being a huge fan of Upson-Lee Knight football looking up to the likes of My brother Teddy of course Rontae Skelton Montae Skelton Quentin Lamar Eldred King Jauntez Hartsfield and Logan Winkles just to name a few. I never thought in my wildest dreams and imaginations that I Tevin Cherry would become an Athlete. I was introduced to wrestling by the school administrator at the time Mr. Chad Seymour. Mr. Seymour promised that my legs wouldn’t be an issue and I’d finally fufill my life long dreams of becoming an athlete like the guys I looked up to.

I want to define the term WRESTLING so that my readers can get a true sense of my definition of WRESTLING. in order to do so, I’m going to give you examples of what WRESTLING is not. WRESTLING is not what you see on WWF/WWE two people in a squared circle facing off putting each other in half Nelson’s. WRESTLING IS NOT Undertaker throwing Mankind off the top of The Hell in the Cell during The King of the Ring in 1998.

WRESTLING does not include giving an infamous Stone Cold Stunner to your opponent either even though I was on the recieving end of those many times in my childhood😆����🤣🤣😆.

WRESTLING is like boxing being that the matches take place inside the squared circle. The two competitors are brought to the center of the ring line up and face one another. The wrestlers shake hands and then square off in what is called the neutral or Standing position.

A wrestling match consists of 3 periods that last 3 minutes each and to the casual person that sounds like a piece of cake but like I mentioned earlier I really found out what I was made of when I became a wrestler. I just explained to those who are currently reading this the surface of a match is. I remember my first match like it was yesterday November 25th 2006 during my freshmen year of High school. My match only lasted all of 39 seconds as I was thrown to the mat fighting for my life and my shoulder blades were pinned . I was upset about my loss but I was hopeful that I would win the next one. The truth is I lost one match after another and and another Annnnnnd ANOTHER I kept track of all my matches from 2006-2010 and excluding forefits my overall record was 1- win -150+ losses. I’m pretty sure everyone is asking why on earth would I take time to magnify my losses and minimize my wins. The answer lies in the simple fact that I “Tevin Cherry” mostly known by people for my diligence and hard work did not realize exactly how HARD WRESTLING really is. I cannot forget that I have Cerebral Palsy which limits my movement to a certain degree. I struggled with getting around on the mat and I always seemed a step too slow.

Wrestling is not like basketball where there are 15 players 5 starters 5 rotation players then the bench for backup. Wrestling is also different from Football where it takes 50+ people to be successful. A wrestler must go to the mat and match up with another wrestler of the same weight class and win by either pinning their opponent’s shoulders to the mat or going 3- 3 minute periods and out scoring your opponent. A wrestling match is not just a physical display of strength but a showcase of mental wills. A wrestler must not only worry about his own weight but establish and obtain leverage over his opponent throughout the course of a match by manipulating their weight in every way possible. The feeling of another person’s body on top of another can be exhausting if a wrestler is not trained properly.

I also had situations where I craved victory so badly that I would rush and make careless mistakes. I would show up to practice everyday and work on movement drills and a specific move sets but still fail miserably because I lacked one thing CONFIDENCE yes that was the elephant missing from the room. My confidence eroded away with each loss and it really started to get in my head. I began to not like myself and I lost passion for one of the only few sports that I could actually play.

I really believe that God stepped in and sent me a lifeline by placing a young man by the name of Jeffery Netherton into my life when I had reached my final year of high school. Jeffery was a freshman during my senior year of high school. He was born with Cerebral Palsy just like me. I looked forward to taking him under my wing and showing him how to wrestle but I found out that he taught me about myself than I could ever teach him on the mat.

Jeffery and I are pictured above getting into position during one of our many scrimmages during my senior year. I was very angry during this time because I really wanted to earn my first victory. I wanted to have a better career and become a state champion but the the latter did not come to past. I spent my last season mentoring Jeffery showing him every move I knew from takedowns to mat wrestling. Jeffery’s most redeeming quality was that he did everything with a positive attitude. I showed Jeffery wrestling moves but he taught me about myself and how I needed to be not only a better teammate but a better human being. Jeffery took his time with everything and I really started to understand the psychology of a wrestler. I began to study my opponents and pay attention to movements and learn the ideal pace of a match for me. I continued to lose but the eye opening experience of training Jeffery allowed me to shift my goals from winning by the scoreboard to small things like executing takedowns to escaping a hold to surviving more than just one round. My CONFIDENCE returned after I started focusing on the process rather than the end goal.

The day had finally come to where I would wrestle the very last match of my high school career. On January 11th 2010 at Eagles Landing High School I stepped on the mat for the last time and my very last match was against Jeffery. I was overwhelmed with emotion because I had spent everyday training and coaching Jeffery through the season. I am grateful because we both made a promise to not to take it easy on each other. Jeffery and I stepped to the middle of the mat and put on a wrestling exhibition that was one that I wished had been recorded. The match was much closer than the score indicated. The 3- 3 minute periods were grueling it was back and forth going toe to toe with my teammate. I took Jeffery down to the mat several times and overwhelmed him with my strength and scored numerous back points as I flowed from move to move. Jeffery showed tons of resilience by fighting back towards his stomach to keep from getting pinned. Jeffery even scored two takedowns against me keeping me on my heels several times during our match. I eventually finished the match winning 16-4 but none of that mattered at this point. I stood in the middle of the mat with my hand held high along with Jeffery because during our match he was able to pull off a move from each position that I taught him. I truly found that feeling that I had been searching for since my freshman year and that was to feel like a champion and hold my head high. Jeffery was forever grateful to me because I was able to teach him how to play a sport that he probably never would have gotten the chance to play if I had never took the leap of faith to try almost 4 years earlier. I’m going to do my due diligence and reach out to Jeffery because we unfortunately lost contact after I graduated high school. I spent many years dealing with regret because I knew that I had accomplished something big with helping Jeffery but I still yearned for a better career. I had to pray to God and ask for peace knowing that my mission wasn’t to become a state champion but to coach someone else I figured out that my life long dream is to be a COACH!! In fitness because I love sports and I love working out.

I want to bring this post to a close with this message.

1. I believe that everyone is a wrestler. One person may be wrestling with one issue while someone else may have several at the end of the day it all comes down to dealing with the obstacles that life places in our way and we must deal with them and give them to God.

2. I encourage everyone to enjoy the process of each journey during each stage throughout life. I spent so much time wanting to win and become a state champion that I failed to learn early in my wrestling career to be thankful for small things like understanding movement, getting a takedown, or knowing my pace for a match.

3. I’m still pinning the Odds and I am an athlete coach and Champion at the end of the day in Jesus name Amen.

[strongmantevin]

Painting for service

I’m back guys for another installment in the Strongman Experience. I have been on a month long hiatus trying to get various aspects of my life together. I have not been resting on my laurels in any aspect. I write this week about my very first volunteer experience ever and it is something that I will never forget. On Thursday April 11th 2019 I was invited by my friend Marcus Williams to volunteer with the United Way for the very first time In Atlanta Georgia. I had been looking forward to the experience the entire week as I watched my email like a hawk waiting on updates from our friend Ashley Boyd who works as a dedicated volunteer for The United Way in Atlanta. The United Way is a Non-Profit Organization that helps veterans returning home from overseas rehabilitate themselves by helping with the job serch to housing and establishing an emergency fund savings account and so much more. Marcus arrived at my apartment around 5:40 P.M. to pick me up to attend the event. I really didn’t know what to expect all i knew was that I was going to Sips ‘n’ Strokes, Toco Hills . Marcus pulled up to the paint studio around 6:10 P.M. and we walked into the studio and was welcomed with open arms by Ashley and the other volunteers from The United Way. I sat down in the steel chair beside Marcus and I followed every move seeing that I was new to the environment. I looked at the various paintings around the studio in awe of all of the beautiful portraits. I was thrown for a loop when Marcus handed me an apron as I had no intentions on painting. I initially thought that we would pass out the materials to the veterans and watch them paint and enjoy fellowship. I was ready to try my best and pick a portrait that would be most relatable to me and look good in a veteran’s house in the future. The time had arrived to select our portraits and I chose a Football player. A football player was synonymous with me since it was my first love concerning sports. I work for the Chic Fila College Football Hall of Fame Atlanta in Atlanta as a tour guide so Football is pretty much in my face everyday. Our teacher Miss Lynn walked us through the process of painting our portraits and my experience allowed me to look at painting and life from a whole new perspective.

Miss Lynn wanted us to observe the pallette of colors placed in front of us before we began painting. A cup of water on the side to rid our brushes of extra paint The brushes were 3 different sizes used for its own distinctive purpose.

The bristles on the first brush are thick but have a thinner make-up compared to the other two. The first step was to use our brush and outline our photo as seen above. The objective was to use steady strokes along with being careful with the outline so it would not bleed into the actual painting. I took my time trying to be perfect but miss Lynn advised me to loosen up and know that it’s just paint and that any error will be corrected.

The second step as seen above involved painting the football field background green with the hugest brush using an up and down stroke motion. I wanted to cover as much surface area as possible. I really could not decide what I wanted the colors for my player to wear.I shuffled between the Atlanta Falcons to represent the hometown state of Georgia and the Buffalo Bills to be different. 🤣🤣🤣 I settled on the Colors for the Bills.

I then proceeded to paint the helment red and the jersey blue.

Marcus chose to paint a part of the city along with enjoying a good Mediterranean wrap with chicken rice onions tomatoes and other vegetables.

A medium sized brush was used to paint the Jersey blue and the color of the facemask black everything was finally started to come together.

The time had come to where I completed my painting and I was not sure how to put the finishing touches on my work. I made a menacing Defensive End like Bruce Allen because I wanted to sack Quarterbacks on Defense growing up. I chose the number 12 because I am the oldest twin brother (1) and the second child (2) I have an older in Candra Cherry.I got some much needed help from one of the painters at the studio. He helped me go over the outline and let my painting dry. Marcus did an excellent job with his abstract painting of the wonderful city of Atlanta. I know that I mentioned earlier that this experience caused me to examine life from a different angle. I was not only painting for myself but for the countless men and women that risk their lives daily to insure that my life is safe. The United Way launched the March Forward campaign that is dedicated to ending homelessness for veterans helping them with job placement and establishing an emergency savings account. The initiative was started on March 1st and will last for 90 days. The objective is to help at least 50 veterans establish a savings account which is now complete. 40 out of 60 veterans have been able to find employment which equates to 75 percent. The goal to end homelessness for at least 175 veterans stands at 106 so roughly 61 percent of this goal is completed and the odds are very high that the initiative will be successful in reaching every goal or at least come close.

I close the experience with another segment of Tev’s Takeaways.

1. God will always give us a tool or a brush to handle a situation. some will have thin bristles some are medium and thick bristles may be needed to cover the various areas in our lives.

2. Take your time in everything you do the race is never given to the swift but to the person that sees a test or trial to the end experience is the best teacher.

3. There is a purpose in everything that is set forth in life. Never take anything for granted because the simplest things in life go the longest way.

[strongmantevin]

How Original Strength helped me with Advocacy and Fitness

I have spent the entire month of March chronicling my journey for CP awareness month from the Facebook post that changed my life in part 1. I wrote about my fellow warriors and their stories last week and captured just the surface of their Accomplishments in part 2. The Experience this week will explain how friends at Original Strength a fitness company based out of North Carolina helped helped me spread awareness for Cerebral Palsy and change my life for the better.

I want to start off the post by telling everyone about how I connected Original Strength. I was just surfing the internet one summer day in June looking up workout videos because I wanted to strengthen feet and lower extremities. I had become discouraged because I typed in the search box and the same videos kept popping up Google actually disappointed me this day 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I scrolled all the way to the bottom of the webpage and clicked the last link and it took me straight to YouTube and Original Strength’s page. I watched the Rocking video and rolling video and was blown away about how simple the moves were. My curiosity had prompted me to reach out to one of the founders in Dani Almeyda-Usedom via email on June 20,2014.

I wrote this email with a fifty percent chance of hope that she would respond.

I’m glad that my Hope swung in the right direction because Dani responded three days later.

I initially was not sold on the The Original Strength training system because rolling around on the ground and rocking back and forth were considered weird and strange. I’m not going to hold back an honestly say that I thought Tim Anderson and Dani Almeyda-Usedom were CRA to the ZY. I thought two adults rolling Ha Ha! I soon had to take a step back and listen to their words they used phrases like “vestibular system” refers to balance and strengthening the X or the core that ties the body together. Tim and Dani referred to moving like a baby a lot. The basics of Original Strength are known as the big 5.

1. The Baby builds strength with (breathing) through their diaphragm or stomach.

2. The baby learns how to hold their head up and look around using the eyes and head. (Head Nods)

3. The baby Rolls over on to the stomach (prone) and returns to being face up (supine) with (Rolling).

4. The baby progresses to supporting themselves on all fours and (Rocking) back and forth.

5. (Crawling) is the most advanced step using opposing limbs to move around on the ground which then leads to walking.

I then took a few days to look up the stages of development for babies and I recognized the correlation between the movements that babies use to facilitate walking were the same movements displayed in Original Strength. I exchanged videos and countless emails with Dani for the next 6-7 months. I practiced each move or “Reset” day after day and my balance improved along with weight training I began to balance and reach peak levels of strength.

I was still young in my journey sharing awareness about Cerebral Palsy because I was still learning the basics. I wore green in 2013-2014 to show my support during the month. 2015 was different because I received a request on March 3rd of that same year that would change my life.

I was ecstatic about being part of my second blog in almost 2 years at that point. I was finally going to showcase my ability to workout on a larger channel than my own. I was also tasked with answering questions that dealt with how I implemented Original Strength into my training regimen. The most important question to me in the entire article was the very first one “What is Movement?” Movement was not hard to define but the term is very broad. I set out on a journey to make a short video answering the very first question. I called on my friend Tori Sanders my videographer to shoot some footage in the gym at Clayton State University since it was close and a fitness video. I unfortunately did not have a permit to shoot the video in the gym and had to move the scene to right outside of my dorm room of 5105 on a unusually warm day in March. I brought out all my equipment outside from my medicine ball to my Lebert Equalizer bars to make my video shoot successful. I then got Tori to record my thoughts on what movement was and off the top of my head used several adjectives to explain what movement was from my perspective after 2-3 weeks of preparation my blog was released on March 23rd on Original Strength.net. The link to my blog can be viewed below

The #CerebralPalsyCan video helped me as a person in so many ways. I gained the confidence to shoot videos in different areas besides the gym. I showcased all of the things I had learned in fitness up to that point. I believe the video put many people in the fitness industry on notice allowing them to see that people with different abilities have a place within the fitness industry. I myself have aspirations to be a personal trainer and movement specialist. I accomplished the first part of my dream on November 24th 2017 when I got my level 1 certification from Original Strength.

I want to close by saying that movement is a mentality. I will forever remember the saying that Tim Anderson quoted in one of his weekly videos. “Wherever the head goes the body will follow”. I believe this to be true because you’re thoughts control the outcome of any situation in life. When a person is negative and has the worst outlook on various situations their outcome will be more than likely negative and the mind or head moves “down”. Positive people try their best to see the situation to the good and pull something from it that will lead to success. The mind or head will be held “up” in a positive direction. I want everyone who reads this to hold your head up and know that you can move toward freedom with the right mindset.

[strongmantevin]

Friends Through CP Advocacy

The first part of my series dedicated to Cerebral Palsy awareness month talks about how I personally found my voice and began to share my story more on social media. I had come to the realization that my story has a true impact on many people. I remember the countless flashbacks of me calling myself handicap until about the 8th grade when I found out the proper term was that I have Cerebral Palsy.

I had also grown up in a regular public school system with a regular classroom setting. The others who were in a similar situation like me were slightly older than me and I never got to have a close bond. I often remind myself to appreciate the wonderful journey called life that I have the opportunity to participate in. God allowed me to type that post in 2013 and open the door to meet Richelle Heath, Heaven Ramsey, Matt Rich, and Keith Granderson. I write this week in the Strongman Experience about their triumphs in spite of obstacles.

I often credit Richelle Heath and Heaven Ramsey for getting me involved with sharing my story and advocating for CP along with my sister Candra Cherry. I met them first on the journey into advocacy. I am going to start off by introducing my friend Richelle Heath one of the the founders of the CP dream-team Facebook community.

Richelle Heath was born April 26, 1976 in Fort Lauderdale Florida. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 11 months old.

Richelle would go on to hold various jobs in the corporate world. Richelle left the corporate world to take care of her parents whose health started to give them issues. She Experienced a terrible fall that caused her to begin what would be a 5+ year battle with the government to receive disability benefits. She discovered at that point that the state of Georgia does little to nothing to provide support or provide resources directly to people past the age of 22.

The CP dream-team have worked non stop ever since 2016 to share not only the triumphs of those affected but to also shed light on the plight that the people in the CP community face on a day to day basis. I am so thankful to have met a caring passionate person in Richelle.I would have not even known about CP awareness month in March or World CP day in October with out meeting her. Richelle has also ran 7 successful T-shirt campaigns that have sold nearly 3000 shirts and so far and raised over $6000 in revenue with the proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy center in Knoxville Tennessee people in the community and various other fundraisers. In 2018 Richelle was able to get the Atlanta Sky view Ferris Wheel attraction to light up green in support of CP awareness and looks forward to the lighting again on March 25th of this year.

The current mission is to reach out to as many companies as possible to light up areas green to show support and raise awareness anywhere possible. I definitely look forward to helping Richelle and the rest of the CP DreamTeam achieve the goal of lighting up the world Green.

Heaven Ramsey is a young lady currently a Sophomore at Knox High-School in Tennessee who definitely has a lot to say when it comes to spreading awareness. She is the co-founder of the CP Dream-team along with Richelle. She competes in the The Miss Shining Star pageant each year and the proceeds go toward groups who help people with different abilities. Heaven is an anti-bullying advocate as well and over the last 6 years she has worked in groups such as Project U and Boddygaurds United and was elected to the student advisory council last year. Heaven used her experience to help people online and in her community. I truly admire Heaven for her courage to stand up and be a voice for those who are being bullied.She is very young and has so much more in store for her community and the best is yet to come.

Matt Rich is the next person I want to highlight on my list. He is a Native of Pennsauken New Jersey born September 5th 1981. I’ve known Matt for four years now and he is a huge inspiration to me because after battling for years with CP in 2010 Matt stood up and walked for the very first time from his wheelchair to his family. You can check out the video on YouTube by typing in “Matthew Rich Walks”. Matt is a motivational speaker and spreads his message “fighting your lion” all through out the New England area and parts of the east coast. Matt was an avid 5K runner with a catalog of an incredible 14 races from 2010-2017 his fastest time was 44minutes and 30 seconds and his best mile time was 14min and 8secs. The races he has participated in benefited those affected by cystic fibrosis and those who were paralyzed and so much more. I will forever admire Matt for his determination and positive impact on the community. Matt is currently training for his next 5K in May the Enable 5K run/1mile walk in Palmyra, New Jersey.

My last person I wanted to highlight but certainly not least is the Future president of Virginia State University himself Mr. Keith Granderson born in Richmond Virginia on February 22nd 1992.Keith was diagnosed with CP at the age of 6 months predominately affecting his his left side (spastic hemiplegia) I met Keith 4 years ago through one of our mutual friends in Torian Cole on Instagram. I loved his passion for people and like me he has had a genuine impact on his community and I want to list several accomplishments of his below.

Graduated from Matoaca High School Chesterfield, Virginia in 2010

Licensed Minister of the Gospel 2011

Graduated from Virginia State University Bachelors Of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2017

Currently working on my Masters Of Education

Employed by Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Virginia as a Special Education Teacher with Students with intellectual disabilities and specific learning disabilities.

HBCU Digest Male Student of The Year Nominee in 2017.

Young Trojan Award for Virginia State University representing The Greater Petersburg Area Alumni Association

I am incredibly proud of Keith for all of his accomplishments so far and having me write his story doesn’t do much justice please check out his video below to hear his experience

Keith has obtained his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice since the airing of the video. He recently obtained his teaching license to teach students to in special education.

I want to close out this this week by stating each person I wrote about is a champion. I encourage everyone to follow them on Facebook as well.

Richelle and Heaven have taught me so much about Cerebral Palsy and without their help I would not be in the position I am in today. Matt has helped me through tough times with his weekly motivational videos. I hope to run/walk a 5K someday and I will definitely reach out to him for help. Keith reminds me so much of myself. The impact that he has on his small town and Virginia State University and other cities reminds me of how I was able to impact the various people through social media.

I hope that all my readers gain something from this week’s post and I look forward to writing part 3 next week in the Strongman Experience. Until then Strongman Out.

[strongmantevin]

How I found my voice on social media

I want to begin the Strongman Experience for this week by thanking everyone who has read liked or shared the blog with their friends and family on various social media outlets. The posts for the month of March will be geared towards Cerebral Palsy awareness month for the month of March. I want to inform those who are unaware that March 25th is Cerebral Palsy awareness day. My first installment is all about how I got into sharing my story on social media and and how one post changed my life for ever. I’m supposed to be writing about a particular post I made on April 6th 2013 that changed my life for ever. I want to set up the background of that moment before I move any further. I have built my platform on social media by sharing my life story and triumph in spite of being born with Cerebral Palsy. The many people who follow me on a regular basis can tell you that I’m an outgoing person based off of several factors I love to workout every day. I have a brand that’s recognizable. I also work in the sports industry. I want those same people who know me just through the scope of social media to understand that I wasn’t always an outgoing person. I was very shy growing up I hardly said a word. I want you guys to flash back to 2016 when Lebron James brought a title back to Cleveland after being down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors. The moment was special in itself and and that’s what it felt like to my mom and other relatives when I decided to speak. I was definitely a late bloomer to social media too. I didn’t have a MySpace page like my brother teddy or sister Candra in 2004-2005. I waited until 2008-2009 before I even thought about a MySpace page😩😩🤣🤣🤣🤣. MySpace died soon there after and I ended up joining Facebook to keep up with my friends and stay current on the latest trends.

The period between 2010-2013 basically consisted of me being friends with people from high school college and my family members I never thought I would reach anyone outside of my hometown Thomaston Georgia let alone the entire State because I only posted bible verses to encourage others or updates on my journey through college and my workouts.I mentioned earlier about keeping up with the latest trends like in today’s age of posting a funny meme or trolling a celebrity. I saw a trend back in 2013 of my friends liking posts from this Facebook page called “stop discrimination against special needs”

I enjoyed the stories of other people from all over the world overcome the various obstacles in their lives. I myself at the time didn’t think that my story had any uniqueness and I was just like everyone else. I followed the trend of social media and I sat back and thought about what I would post to the page. I didn’t want to write a whole book but I wanted my post to come from an authentic place.

The moment had finally came when I had typed my post and made my last minute revisions and chose a picture.

I took a screenshot of the picture of the post for the readers to view below.

I started the post by letting readers know I was from the city of Thomaston Georgia in Upson County. My Hometown has a population that is a few hairs shy of 10,000 people. Upson county is approximately one hour and 20 minutes south of Atlanta when a driver takes I-75s/I-85s and US-19 S/US-41 S. I also mention that I have Cerebral Palsy which seems like a no brainer right. The part that struck me the most and still hits home today is the point where doctors told my parents that My twin brother Teddy and I would not have active lives like other kids. I can’t even imagine what my parents were thinking at that time frame but I am forever thankful that even with their inexperience and dealing with the unknown that they still loved us and made sure that we had a chance to fight and live to the present day. One Child with CP and one with hydrocephalus is in lack of better terms excessive fluid on the brain. Teddy had a shunt placed inside of him to drain the excess fluid by an incision made near the stomach. Teddy was healed in 2001 after it was discovered that the shut had broken and the mind numbing headaches he would have completely stopped I thank God for that to this day. Teddy and I were both academically gifted and we both competed on the wrestling team as varsity athletes. Teddy and I both live in Atlanta currently holding our own with respectable jobs. I work for Chic-Fila College Football Hall of Fame Atlanta. Teddy works in the Smoke house for Hormel Foods here we are pictured below in 2016 and currently.

The next point I had to realize was that I made this post around the same time that I was about to graduate college a feat that not too many people had accomplished in my position especially within the black community of Thomaston so teddy and I are definitely trailblazers.

The picture I chose located at the top for this post was iconic in itself. I am sitting on top of a exercise ball flexing my biceps or what ever I want to call them. I chose the picture because I wanted to show the readers that I was a powerful individual in spite of everything that I had been through up to that point in my life.

The moment had finally come to where I had finally pressed send again I thought nothing of it and tried to go on about my day but I was WRONG WRONG WRONG. I started getting likes and comments from people all over the country. People from states I haven’t even visited yet were friend requesting me and my inbox was full like the popular guy that got all the girls in high school. Parents inboxed me thanking me for sharing my story because they were about to give up on their child with a different ability. I know readers would not agree with the parents mentality but there is a lot of stress that comes with having a child who comes into the world with complications. There are parents that don’t have the support that mine had and lose hope along the way. I want to encourage any parent out there reading this to search for a support group in your area. I don’t feel like anyone should have to feel like they’re alone on their journey. I’ve referenced my twin brother Teddy a lot in this post and what he said almost 6 years ago remains true today his comment can be read below.

I know that he was proud of me. I also discovered that I was proud of myself. I was no longer just a kid from Thomaston Georgia with CP but I discovered that my story could inspire others with different abilities. April 6th 2013 will be known as the day I found my voice on Social media. The 7200 likes and 321 comments are still records to this day.

My heart is in a wonderful place knowing that God has used my life to reach people and change lives in a positive way. The affects are here for a lifetime. The post allowed me to meet others who share my same experience with CP and I will highlight their stories on the Strong man experience next week.

I will now close with Tev’s takeaways.

1. Never take your life for granted you never know who your going to inspire.

2. Whatever you do in life always give your best effort.

3. Don’t ever be afraid to stand out because greatness is not designed to fit in.

Until next week, I’ll see you guys later Strongman out.💪🏾

[strongmantevin]

A swing of many swings

I begin my story this week where I left off talking about my experience with the All Core 360. I thought that I was going to just have Marcus drop me off at home and enjoy the rest of my Friday. Once we both finished our sessions on the All Core 360 Marcus asked me did I want to go with him to get some golf practice swings in and my response was obviously yes because I didn’t want to go back home right away and I wanted to try something new. Marcus and I hoped in the car and he drove from college Park to kennesaw which is about a 40 minute drive If you take I-75 N or I-285 N. The Car had pulled into the parking lot of the PGA tour Superstore at around 1pm. Marcus has opened his trunk and preceded to grab his signature cobra and taylormade golf clubs. The staff greeted us with open arms and at this point I found out something amazing about Marcus. I saw from following his social media over the last few months that he was on the golf course practicing his swing. I never knew that he was training to be on the Paralympic golf circuit and compete against other golfers until I got to meet his coach Yuri Barclay who has over 15 years of coaching experience after developing a passion for Golf while growing up in Japan. The staff then proceeded to grab a basket that contained a plethora of golf balls for us to use. A small dispensing machine was given to us as well to help us set the balls directly on the tee while getting in practice swings. When we found our lane to practice in I was introduced to another piece of equipment called the ParaGolfer. The ParaGolfer looked like just a typical power chair for the golf course. I thought nothing of it until I saw Marcus adjust it and saw that the chair portion extended up and gave Marcus the ability to essentially stand up straight as possible while he practiced his swing He is pictured below in the ParaGolfer.

Marcus took his time and developed a rhythm with his swing

I sat back and watched in Admiration as Marcus stood at the Golf tee and constantly swing the club shot after shot hitting the ball between 170-220 feet at a time. The more impressive part was that he did all of this with one hand I cannot imagine how much strength and focus it takes to channel your whole body and strike an object so far with just one hand.

Thirty to forty five minutes passed by and then it came time to take my very first swing of many swings of the golf club. I had to find myself a left handed club before the session went any further. The staff brought out a left handed M1 Taylormade Driver with a 10.5 size head with a 12 degree angle adjustment. I always thought that with Golf that I would just be able to pick up the club and smack the ball right off the tee. I was proven WRONG WRONG WRONG. Marcus took his time and broke down the whole process from setting the club in my hands to executing the proper technique and swing. He can be seen below showing me how to hold to club in my hand.

The time had finally come for me to take my training and finally apply it with the objective of of hitting the ball across into the net. The task required plenty of focus and a calm mind. The video below is what happened when I tied all of the lessons from Marcus together.

I learned so much in one day and I want to end with Tev’s Takeaways

1. I will no longer say I’m handicapped or disabled but I’m capable with the Body and mind God gave me.

2. Golf is a sport with grace and power

3. I plan on continuing practice so that I can can compete on the PGA circuit one day.

4. Keep swinging because you never know when you will knock the ball into the hole.

In Closing I want to thank my friend Marcus Williams the best is yet to come as Romans 8:28 says all things work together for the good of those who are called into Gods purpose.

Be blessed and (L)ive (Y)our (D)ay (O)vercoming.

[strongmantevin]

My All Core 360 experience

My name is Tevin Cherry I’m 27 years old from Thomaston Georgia. I have gained many followers as I have shared my personal journey with Cerebral Palsy through fitness and life experiences. I’m starting my very first blog I appreciate everyone’s support. I encourage everyone read my first post below:

On February 22, 2019 I got the wonderful opportunity to test out one of the most innovative products within the fitness industry today in the All Core 360 machine.The All Core 360 was invented by Atlanta Chiropractor Scott Bertrand who wanted a safer way to rehab after sustaining two major injuries a fractured lower back and neck deeming that physical therapy was too painful in both instances. Scott developed his product through years of case studies and prototypes before the All Core 360 machine made its first appearance in 2016. Scott donated the All Core 360 to the Shepherd Center to help patients with rehab from injuries by strengthening all 50 muscles in the core through isometric contractions through rotation . The most intriguing aspect is that each workout takes only 10 minutes and can be done in normal clothing. All Core 360 has been featured on ESPN and Fox within the last year. I’m writing today to share to share my personal experience with this product.

I found out about All Core 360 by watching several videos recently posted to Instagram from my friend Marcus Williams founder of (LYDO) which stands (L)ive (Y)our (D)ay (O)vercoming.Marcus sustained a T-6 spinal cord injury in 2012 after being hit by a drunk driver which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Marcus and I have followed each other through social media for the last 4 years and we have mutually inspired each other through our platforms. The overall goal is to continue to bring awareness to the community about our experiences throughout life and motivate others.

Marcus picked me up from my apartment around 10:20 A.M. on Friday morning and drove about 10 minutes south to the All Core 360 clinic in College Park Georgia. When I stepped inside the clinic we were greeted by Charles who can be seen below strapping me into the harness preparing me for my individual session.

The basic setup for the All Core 360 begins with the patient sitting in the harness upright at a ninety degree angle and a medicine ball is placed between their legs to prevent any unnecessary movement during the session. The patient’s legs are then set on two foot pads to prevent any further movement. Once the patient is situated the operator of the of the All Core 360 will adjust the machine to the proper setting which varies by patient. Once that is done the harness is then leaned backwards and then it starts the first 5 minute round of rotation. The power of All Core 360 is put to work when the machine is rotating in a full circle at a certain amount of degrees and the patient is forced to fight gravity while concerned with with keeping a good posture and not allow their head to lean back against the pad in the harness deactivating the core muscles. I watched Marcus get strapped into the harness and get set up for his session. Charles also handed Marcus a fat chain that had to about a 5 to 6 inches long and wider in diameter to make Marcus’ workout just a tad tougher I got a bit of small footage below with Marcus battling with the chain.

I know from my perspective that it took a couple minutes to adjust with it being my first time but once I got my breathing down pat and settled in I was able to hold my own with the machine being set to rotate at a 45 degree angle. I felt gravity pull at every muscle and I really had to engage and focus on using my core muscles to fight my bout with gravity.I had an easier time going to the left as opposed to my right because I am left handed making it my dominant side. The pictures below

show how much I struggled during the workout. One other cool feature is what I like to call the cool down point where the rotation will slow down and allow the patient to refocus and get ready for the next round.

In closing, I can truly say that I enjoyed my experience and cannot wait to tryout the All Core 360 again. I definitely got a great workout in and my lower back muscles made me feel brand new afterwards. One technique I will try next time is to cross my arms through the full rotation to better focus my breathing and head control. I appreciate Marcus for taking me on a trip to try this equipment and I look forward to my next installment for the blog.