“Every rep I lift is a Victory over my Cerebral Palsy.” Budding bodybuilder Erian Moodley will inspire you! On a mission to lift the odds, Erian is also uplifting others with his mindset:
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (05 September 2023) — Erian Cole Moodley isn’t your run-of-the-mill bodybuilder, which is saying a lot considering bodybuilding isn’t a run-of-the-mill dream.
For Erian, each weight lifted is a victory over his Cerebral Palsy; a diagnosis that can tell the body and mind ‘no’ over and over again.
However, Erian’s determination to lift his dreams off the ground has led him to look at his cerebral palsy not simply as his unique challenge, but as his teacher.
For a long time, Erian didn’t have a proper diagnosis, making the first five years of his life incredibly difficult. Once his family knew what journey Erian would walk after diagnosis, they came to understand that the expectations they had for their firstborn would have to change, especially in a traditional academic sense.
“We knew from the start that Erian was actually really really keen on sport. He was always a very active child,” recalls his mother.
But team sport often didn’t open the door to Erian, so he forged his own path and focused on individual fitness.
With guidance from his biokineticist Reynier Pretorious, focus on breathing and cardiovascular exercises for Erian soon paved the opportunity for strength training.
Through his sessions, he happened upon professional athlete and World Fitness Federation Chairman, Lyle Singh who was hugely inspired by Erian’s strength and character.
Erian shares:
“When I’m sweating it out, I’m not just lifting weights – I’m lifting my dreams off the ground. And let me tell you, with faith lighting up the way, I’ve realized that limits are just road signs, and I’m on my own unique highway.”
And that unique highway is scattered with light! Today, the passion that started with a love for being active and a desire for acceptance is leading him to great things, like the upcoming WFF SA Champs at the end of the month where Erian is not only set to be an ambassador but will also compete in his weight division. This is a step closer to competing on the global stage!
“My journey into fitness isn’t just about pumping iron or hitting the gym. It’s about giving life to my faith, turning sweat and hard work into prayers and hope. With every push, every lift, I’m pushing through barriers and proving that faith can move mountains – or at least, dumbbells!”— Erian Moodley.
So, if you needed some inspiration to tackle a dream that might seem out of reach (or even just some motivation to get to the gym) Erian is someone to take many notes from.
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