We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerod Nieder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerod below.
Jerod, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I absolutely get my work ethic from both of my parents growing up. I never saw either of them take a day off even if they were sick. My dad would be up before the sunrise every day working hard to set up his crews and handle his responsibilities both of my parents set powerful examples always showing up always dedicated and never letting anything get in the way of their commitments that mindset of relentless responsibility and determination became my blueprint for how I approach my own life and work. It’s the only way I know how.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Jared Nieder, and I’m the driving force behind PositivelyParalyzed, a platform where I share my life as a C5, quadriplegic fitness enthusiast and advocate for the disabled community. After a spinal cord injury changed my life, I discovered a new purpose in redefining what’s possible for people with disabilities, particularly in the world of fitness. Through PositivelyParalyzed, I create content that highlights the resilience, humor, and adaptability required to navigate daily life with paralysis. My focus is on normalizing disability, providing practical solutions, and fostering a supportive community that lifts each other up as we face life’s toughest challenges alongside my wife and our service dog, Belle.
I share everything from accessible workouts to travel tips and insights into spinal cord injury research. Professionally, I’m thrilled about my recent selection for the Men’s Health strength and diversity initiative. This opportunity allows me to expand the fitness aspect of my platform and bring more adaptive workouts to the forefront. My goal is to make accessible fitness achievable for people of all abilities by breaking down barriers and showing others that strength training, cardio, and overall wellness are attainable regardless of their physical limitations.
I’m currently working on content with CrossRope, a company that specializes in wheelchair-accessible strength training equipment. It’s exciting to be a part of this movement, as I believe adaptive fitness can empower people both physically and mentally. The most special part of my work is helping people see their potential beyond their physical limitations. PositivelyParalyzed has grown into a place where people come for inspiration, practical tips, and a touch of humor. I couldn’t be prouder of that right now.
I’m expanding my professional training by pursuing my NSCA – CPT certification through the Men’s Health initiative with the aim of offering certified fitness coaching tailored to people with disabilities. In the short term, PositivelyParalyzed is more than just a platform; it’s a community that aims to change how disability is perceived, especially within the fitness world. With the right adaptations, anyone can pursue health, fitness, and independence.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most influential qualities that have shaped my journey are adaptability, resilience, and a passion for continuous learning. After my spinal cord injury, I had to adapt to a completely new way of living. This quality has been crucial, helping me find innovative approaches to daily tasks and fitness. For anyone early in their journey, I strongly advise being open to change. Life may not align with your expectations, but adapting will open doors.
Consider practicing small steps in adaptability, such as learning new ways to perform daily activities. This builds confidence and forms a foundation for even greater changes. Navigating the challenges of disability and building a platform like PositivelyParalyzed has required immense resilience. There will be setbacks, frustrations, and days when nothing seems to work, but resilience keeps you moving forward.
Remember, resilience isn’t about always being strong; it’s about choosing to keep going even when things get tough. Surround yourself with a supportive community, set realistic goals, and celebrate small victories. Over time, resilience will become second nature.
Continuous learning is also essential. Whether it’s learning about adaptive fitness, social media, or spinal cord injury research, the drive to keep learning has been critical. Staying curious and open to new information helps you grow and stay relevant to others on a similar path.
I recommend embracing a beginner’s mindset, seeking out resources, connecting with mentors, and never stopping to improve. The world of adaptive fitness and advocacy is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to prioritize these three areas: adaptability, resilience, and a passion for learning. By equipping yourself with these qualities, you’ll be better equipped to tackle challenges and find fulfillment along the way.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents’ most impactful influence on me was their unwavering commitment to hard work, exemplified through their daily actions. They didn’t merely preach dedication and responsibility; they embodied them relentlessly. My dad, an early riser, would toil tirelessly, seven days a week, ensuring that his responsibilities were met without fail, while my mom shared the same unwavering dedication, consistently showing up and taking care of everything without complaint or shortcuts.
Witnessing their resilience and commitment to life’s demands taught me that success and stability aren’t achieved through mere wishes; they are the rewards of consistent effort and dedication. Hard work became second nature to me because of them. They instilled in me the belief that by showing up every day and putting in the work, one can build something meaningful. This value has permeated every aspect of my life.
Their actions demonstrated that hard work isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about cultivating character and integrity in every aspect of life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: PositivelyParalyzed
- Facebook: Positively Paralyzed
- Linkedin: Jerod Nieder
- Youtube: PositivelyParalyzed
