Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.
He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try -- he couldn't do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story.
Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey - he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448
It's kinda dusty in here, I really need to clean
DDP's variety of yoga isn't very revolutionary (i have his materials), and it -is- very effective.
but the most important thing I've found in his coaching system is his focus on the cardiovascular. He takes very seriously getting your heart rate up to a level necessary and THEN the real work begins.
That is a fundamental that will enchance all exercise that I've seen a lot of people overlook.
If you're like this vet and afraid of your own poor physical tools, DDP's take on yoga has much to offer you, but everything takes time. "because I can't do it today, doesn't mean I cant do it tomorro" like the vet said.
gamby
PowerDork
5/27/12 1:01 a.m.
I saw this vid a few weeks ago and was a bit disappointed that DDP didn't have more of a presence in it. I'd have liked to known more of his involvement in the process.
Either way, very heartwarming and inspirational. It speaks volumes about yoga and about that dude's fortitude.
I just bought a Jillian Michaels yoga DVD that does a "cardio/rep" thing through the poses. It's definitely a butt-kicker--but she doesn't explain stuff as well as Rodney Yee (whom I have a few of his DVDs).
Very cool, this world needs more people with that attitude. 
There is no can't, only will or won't.
My allergies must be acting up again ...
Great story! There's so many people who will say 'that can't be done' and consider that the end of something. Toyman's Yoda quote is right on the money. 'There is no try, only do or don't do.'
I cried. Especially when he started running. It would be emotional enough, but him being a Vet just makes it more powerful for me.
Gamby, DDP corresponded with Arthur, sent him tips, and motivation. I don't know that they ever personally met or anything.
Lesley
UberDork
5/27/12 12:08 p.m.
I'd never really heard of him before but was impressed when I checked out his vids. Four or five years ago when I first started doing yoga classes, it was mostly women – now the split is probably 40/60 men/women. Yoga is a fantastic workout. I'm not into the touchy-feely namaste sort of classes, but the real physical, stretch your body to the extreme ritual that really gets rid of kinks and stiffness.
What he's doing here is pretty much what I do 3-4 times a week, with the exception of the handstands:
http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/index.php/en/the-dvds/ddp-extreme
