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If there’s one thing that inspires me, it’s witnessing individuals in larger bodies achieve incredible feats and challenge societal norms. Diet culture often attempts to diminish the worth of those with bigger bodies, promoting the false narrative that they are less capable or healthy than their thinner counterparts. Occasionally, I come across a remarkable individual whose story deserves to be celebrated and shared widely.
Enter Jordan Blake, a competitive powerlifter from Oregon, whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After reading about Jordan, I felt compelled to ensure that everyone learns about his accomplishments. An elite athlete, he is a testament to the fact that one can be both strong and in a larger body.
Jordan Blake has always embraced his larger frame. “I’ve never known a smaller body. I was born big and have always been on the larger side,” he shares. His experiences included severe bullying throughout his youth, compounded by the misguided belief from medical professionals that his family was somehow responsible for his size. “My parents were told that I was lying about my food intake, which left them feeling helpless,” he explains.
At one point, doctors even recommended that his parents consider hospitalization to confirm he was not misrepresenting his eating habits. Meanwhile, the school authorities ignored his reports of bullying, which contributed to an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. “It was a toxic cycle,” Jordan recounts.
Despite these challenges, Jordan always had an affinity for sports. It wasn’t until high school that he encountered a trainer who recognized his potential and suggested that he might excel in strength training. However, negative experiences in gym environments, such as being dismissed by older male lifters, caused him to shy away from pursuing his true potential. “I was effectively shamed out of the weight room,” he remembers.
After high school, Jordan aimed to demonstrate that his body could achieve athletic success. “I maintained a toxic relationship with food and exercise throughout college. I thought I could shrink my body through extreme dieting and excessive workouts,” he admits.
This led him to take on marathons, hoping to prove that he could still perform despite his size. “I thought if I could run long distances, it would validate my larger body,” he says. However, this approach was unsustainable and led to a metabolic crisis, putting his health at significant risk.
The catalyst for Jordan’s transformation occurred after a traumatic experience where he was harassed by a group of men while jogging. He was pushed to the brink, ultimately injuring himself by running until his feet bled. “I realized that this is not what it means to be healthy,” he reflects.
The next day, he sought out a gym that embraced body inclusivity and began working with a counselor. This journey connected him with a trainer named Alex Simmons, who would help him discover his talent for powerlifting. “I’ve always known I was stronger than average,” Jordan laughs. “I just needed the right environment to flourish.”
Jordan explains, “Powerlifting is about maximizing your strength, regardless of body size.” His physique is naturally suited for this sport, allowing him to achieve amazing feats, including a state record squat of 413.5 pounds at the 2019 USAPL Oregon State Championship. He now aims to squat over 500 pounds, a goal he believes he can reach.
“My body is built for strength,” he states proudly. “I have dense muscles, strong bones, and my body structure is ideal for this sport.” In powerlifting, having a larger body can be an advantage rather than a disadvantage. “Mass moves mass,” he adds, emphasizing that cutting weight can sap strength.
Jordan’s dedication to powerlifting entails rigorous training and attention to nutrition. “I train for two to three hours a day, four times a week. My off days are filled with cardio and core work,” he explains, adding that he engages in preventative exercises to avoid injuries. He works with an Olympic-level nutritionist to ensure he receives adequate fuel for his demanding regimen.
Living in a larger body, Jordan exemplifies how one can be both an elite athlete and proud of their size. “It’s not that I’m big, BUT look at what I can do. It’s that I’m big, AND look what I’m achieving,” he emphasizes. “I feel secure and confident in my body. Other people’s perceptions of me don’t dictate how I feel about myself.”
When he’s not lifting weights, Jordan is passionate about peer coaching, aiming to make fitness spaces more welcoming for individuals in larger bodies. “I want to break down barriers and inspire others to enjoy physical activity, regardless of their body size.”
Jordan Blake resides in Portland, Oregon, with his partner, Sam, and their rescue dog, Bella. To learn more about his journey, check out his Instagram or visit his website.
If you’re interested in related topics, check out this post on couples therapy, or explore the CryoBaby at-home insemination kit for more insights. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource from Healthline is excellent.
Summary:
Jordan Blake, a remarkable powerlifter from Oregon, has turned his experience of bullying and body image struggles into a story of empowerment and strength. By embracing his larger body and pursuing powerlifting, he proves that size doesn’t dictate athletic ability. Now, he is dedicated to helping others in similar situations find their confidence in fitness.
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