"As a kid, I went through a difficult time. I wasn't very popular. I was overweight, and kids bullied and picked on me. And then I made this change. It lifted my confidence. It's not an easy field, but I chose it. It's what I fight for. I'm different from everyone, but I'm proud of myself."
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Yarin Shitrit, 25, proudly talks about his decision to become a bodybuilder. Shitrit, who has Down syndrome, had faced many challenges in his life. But today, thanks to fitness, he wants to prove to everyone that nothing is impossible.
"I began working out when I was 14 and a half. At 17, I began studying bodybuilding. A friend of my parents competed, we went to see him and it ignited something in me. It caught me. I wanted to do it too. Having a muscular, toned body is a beautiful thing, but all this training is not for everyone. I decided I was going to fulfill this dream."
For half a year, he has had only one goal in front of him: to reach the bodybuilding competition this coming October and come out as the big winner. He has been trying to change his body for years, but only six months ago did he finally find the right way.
Since then, he has been spending his time on rigorous training and maintaining a meticulous diet, and it paid off. He has already shed 13 kg (30lbs) and reduced his body fat by no less than 20%. Shtrit does not cut himself any slack. No exceptions and no concessions. Sounds difficult? Not for him.
"He lost 20% body fat in six months, which is insane," said Karin Zaradez, Yarin's dietitian, moments after his monthly weigh-in. "Any professional who hears about it will say it borders unnormal. The beauty here is that we did not do anything extreme. Yes, we made sure he got all the nutritional values he needed, and despite that, we succeeded in reducing his body fat percentage. Yarin is truly unique, we talk every day. He has discipline that I don't see in many people. It's rare, and that's why he achieved such a result. I'm sure he will go far."
Everyone deserves to fulfill their dream
He trains for three hours a day. He starts with strength training and adds cardio when necessary. His daily routine is meticulous, there is no room for mistakes.
"Every time they tell me 'listen, you look amazing,’ and that they are very proud of me for fighting this way. Many compliment me, people ask me to show them how I did it, or tell me they are sure I will win first place"
"I wake up in the morning, get myself ready, eat a proper meal and go to work. I work at a supermarket as a cleaning materials stocker and I bring all my food from home. When I finish, I go home, grab a small bite and head straight to training."
What responses do you get from people at the gym?
"Most of the responses are from my friends. Every time they tell me 'listen, you look amazing,’ and that they are very proud of me for fighting this way. Many compliment me, people ask me to show them how I did it, or tell me they are sure I will win first place. There are much fewer negative responses. There are people who say 'what do you need this for?' For people like that, I say have a good day and good luck. To all the negative people."
Do you think we'll see more bodybuilders with Down syndrome in the future?
"I saw someone at my gym not long ago who also had Down syndrome. He had trouble speaking and I saw someone help him, so I approached him, told him I also suffer from the same disability and congratulated him. There's also Kyle Landi, a famous bodybuilder with Down syndrome that I follow. I always like his posts."
"I think that nowadays children with disabilities really get more awareness. I believe that every child can fulfill their dream. It's not easy, but you need to believe in yourself, and it doesn't matter if you want to be a model, a singer, or a bodybuilder. Society needs to accept children with disabilities, it can affect their future. Luckily, I had a supportive home, but not everyone does. There are many children who are in institutions simply because there is no support."
And what is your dream? Where would you like to be in 5 years?
"I believe I will still compete, hopefully in Las Vegas. I heard that it is the place abroad where you can find the highest level, and that's where I want to be."