False information given to LHSAA investigators during questioning in Robison case
September 25, 2018
Former parish president to challenge current parish president
September 26, 2018
After doctors determined Matthew Sylve would no longer walk without an aided device, he beat the odds by frequenting a site of self-improvement: the gym.
Matthew, 37, had a stroke on February 6, 2016 which compromised his mobility. After struggling with insurance companies, he had all but given up.
He noticed an Anytime Fitness near his house, and two months ago, he signed up as a last-ditch effort to return to a normal life.
On August 23, Matthew showcased his amazing progress and decided he would do something that he didn’t know he’d ever do again: walk on his own.
“After the workout he said, ‘Chuck, I’m feeling strong today. I’m going to walk,’” said Agyei “Chuck” Randolph, Matthew’s personal trainer.
Randolph, 32, has been a certified personal trainer since February of 2017, and met Matthew the day he joined the gym.
Matthew was seated in his wheelchair looking through the window.
Randolph approached him and encouraged him to join his group sessions.
Two months later, Matthew walked across the gym with Randolph on one side and a group mate on the other – helping only when Matthew lost balance. Having accomplished his goal, Matthew leaned on his wheelchair, looked out the window, and smiled.
The moment was captured and posted on Facebook, sharing Matthew’s triumph.
At press-time, it has generated thousands of likes, tens of thousands of views and has inspired many people dealing with adversity to never give up because goals are always well within reach with hard work, faith and the ability to overcome.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to do it on my own,” said Matthew with enthusiasm. “If you keep yourself down you go downhill. I can’t do that, I have 2 kids.”
Matthew said his wife of 12 years and 2 daughters are his inspiration.
He said he pushes himself every day so that he can once again walk to play with his kids and get a job.
Stressing the importance his family has played in keeping his spirits high, Matthew counted himself lucky to have them.
He said through all of the difficul times, they’ve stood by him and have been the rock that he’s needed to survive throughout this difficult ordeal.
“I’ve got the best wife you could ever ask for,” said Matthew. “I don’t know how relationships are these days, but somebody could have left me. I’m very blessed.”
The improvements didn’t come easy.
Randolph said an hour every day is group exercise, but that Matthew is very self motivated – often working out extra.
Frequenting the gym every day except Sunday, Matthew’s workouts include: squats, free weight curls, shoulder shrugs, sit ups, leg lifts, TRX bands and leg presses. Fridays and Saturdays are for cardio, which he does on an exercise bike.
Randolph described Matthew as “the hardest working person in the gym,” and said Matthew’s persistence inspires him when he’s tired.
Matthew said the workouts were hard at first, but now, he’s trained himself to love it, adding that the gym time is some of his favorite hours of a given day.
“It’s a lifestyle,” said Matthew, “and I love it.”
In between reps, the two can be seen discussing records of boxers and other fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and even UFC star Conor McGregor.
Randolph said he wants to make the gym a sanctuary for people – a place where they can come and be at home, knowing that they can express themselves and be free.
“I’m serious about what I do and I want everyone to be comfortable,” he said.
For Matthew, these efforts are working.
“This place is a blessing where people can come and change their lives,” said Matthew. “It’s hard work, day after day, getting up and working on it, but it’s paying off.” •
