Making of An American Ninja Warrior

An inspiring journey

As Mike’s wife, it is inspiring for me to watch not just his “American Ninja Warrior” story — but also the stories of all of those who are involved.

To even get to that level of competition and elite athleticism is nothing short of amazing.

Some people in my health situation would feel jealous or bitter, but I simply feel inspired by these warriors, and in awe of the scope of what the human body can achieve.

It gives me hope. And I know that I am a “Warrior” in a different sense of the word.

Other rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients agree.

“I am inspired by these shows and highly motivated. When I watch these shows, I feel as if I can conquer my setbacks, and I try hard to,” said Georgia resident Tami Wahle, who has RA and other conditions.

Rebecca Brant, another RA patient who hails from the state of Washington, said, “I’m so inspired by all who attempt these courses, especially those dealing with RA and other issues. I can live vicariously through them, imagining the thrill of having such strength and finesse.”

But other patients have mixed feelings: a combination of envy and inspiration.

Salyna Kennedy of Oregon was diagnosed with RA at 3 years of age.

“I have felt both sides of this: inspired, and yet sad that I can’t do some of the really cool stuff,” she said in an email. “Although living with RA and chronic pain for 35 years has taught me to be thankful for those people like Mike Shuck, and to just sit back and enjoy the fact that I can even attend or watch the stuff I’d really enjoy being able to do … like mud drags next weekend.”

Living with RA is tough, and like these women, I can personally attest to that fact. But one “American Ninja Warrior” competitor is just as tough as RA — in fact, he’s even tougher.

Abel Gonzalez of Texas is a 32-year-old “American Ninja Warrior” competitor. He was diagnosed with RA at the age of 23 — but he certainly doesn’t let his RA define him, or detour his journey.

Gonzalez, an inspirational speaker, wellness center owner (AXIOS Warrior Academy), and a two time national finalist on “American Ninja Warrior,” was at the Philadelphia qualifiers for season eight of the NBC show.

And Abel’s training regimen is pretty intense, despite his RA.

“I usually do movement training two or three times a week with obstacle practice on Saturday or Sunday. As far as how long, it’s about 10 hours a week. Doesn’t seem like a lot, but the movement training I do is very specific and effective. It’s surprising how well it also trains my cardiovascular system and muscle endurance,” he said.

But it isn’t without challenges.

“I try not to train more than that though. I start to feel joint issues if I do,” Abel said. “First, my hands will no longer open and close without pain. If I keep pushing it, I’ll start to get more severe pain in my hips and knees. Even if I’m training properly, if I train more than three times a week, my joints slow down because of the pain. It’s a great reminder to be careful with my nutrition and my training.”

He may be on to something. It was recently shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis who regularly partake in rigorous exercise programs might actually see a decrease in RA symptoms. But it all boils down to listening to one’s body, balance, moderation, and an overall healthful lifestyle of wellness that includes nutrition.

Abel’s diet is one that is almost completely raw and always fresh. This unique take on getting back to basics with raw, whole, instinctual nutrition, and a more holistic and intuitive approach has helped him to cope with his RA immensely well.

In fact, he no longer goes to traditional medical doctors to manage his disease, but acknowledges that not everyone is in the same situation.

“I was told disability was inevitable,” he said, “but I never let myself believe that.”

Abel certainly didn’t let his RA stop him from achieving his dreams, nor has he allowed it to cause him to become disabled just yet — and he’s inspiring many “American Ninja Warrior” viewers with his journey.

“With the current season included, I have competed the last three years on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ was captain on the first season of ‘Team Ninja Warrior,’ and first alternate of Team USA for season seven. As a rookie walk-on in my first season, I made it to stage two in the national finals. At that point only two other competitors had ever done that,” he recalled. “That historic performance was how I was invited to compete on season seven. On season seven, I surpassed my first year by making it to the legendary stage three.”

His story isn’t the only one that is inspiring. During this season alone, there were men and women who beat the odds: a male competitor who attempted the course despite having only one leg, a female ninja with Parkinson’s disease, and a man whose wife is battling Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Another interesting fact to those of us in the rheumatic and chronic illness community is that one of the hosts of “American Ninja Warrior,” Matt Iseman, is a former medical doctor turned comedian and TV host. Matt also lives with RA, which he discussed in a recent issue of Arthritis Today magazine.

Read more on: arthritis