PUMPING iron to strengthen his arms, core and thighs is how Johaan Kaa is set to spend the next six months.
The sweat-inducing workouts will help prepare the Alexandra Hills man to join boxing champion Billy Tindall as Mr Tindall crosses the Sunshine Coast finish line of his 1800km run from Melbourne.
The long distance effort, which will begin in September, is all to raise $100,000 for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation which helps educate children about personal safety.
While calf strengthening exercises form an important part of any distance walker’s regime, they do not for Mr Kaa.
Mr Kaa’s legs from the knees below, along with his hands, were amputated about two-and-a-half years ago after he fell ill with meningococcal disease.
But the loss of limbs has done nothing to stop him from striding forward.
Not only has he continued to achieve personal goals, he has also helped others struggling through adversity with his motivational work.
Mr Kaa’s mantra of “No Hands, No Feet, No Excuses” and work to prove disability is not an end earned him the Flag of the City of Brisbane earlier this month.
Mr Kaa said he hoped his new journey to get fit inspired others with disabilities to do the same and is now training at Ifeelgood247 gym at Alexandra Hills.
The gym has sponsored Mr Kaa by providing him with free access to facilities and personal training for the next half-year.
He said he had recruited 30 others to join him as he walked the final 10km of Mr Tindall’s track.
For more on the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, visit here.
For more on Mr Kaa and his efforts to raise money for bionic hands, visit here.
