New Year's Fitness Resolution Takes On Bigger Meaning For Physically Challenged Man

DENVER (CBS4)- One man's New Year's fitness resolution is something many of us take for granted- a single sit-up.

For Wade Balmer, it's a long-awaited goal.

"I've never done a sit-up before, I've never been able to," said Balmer, who suffers from a form of arthritis that makes is difficult and even painful to move.

At five years old, Balmer was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis.

"Basically it means my muscles are inflamed all the time and I have a lot of weakness," said Balmer.

For the past year, Balmer has been a frequent attendee at Vital Strength & Fitness, a gym where he is making gains and inspiring others.

"The average person is like, 'Damn, that guy is crushing it, I can crush it.' We can all do it," said Vital Strength & Fitness trainer Joey Teardrops.

Teardrops works with Balmer during his bootcamp classes. He plans to help him reach his goal.

"It's cool because you see other people who wouldn't normally be as talkative in class and not as social and they'll reach out to Wade and say, 'Good job!'" said Teardrops.

Balmer hopes when he achieves his goal, he can help inspire others to do the same.

"Never be intimidated, everybody has hard things in their life whether they're raising a kid on their own or working night shifts," said Balmer.