Our new Apoteum-Ambassador Robin has been in a wheelchair since a motorcycle accident, does intensive wheelchair bodybuilding and is a role model for many athletes because of his great determination. In an interview with our editor Larissa he shares how CBD helps him in his life.

What experience have you had so far with CBD and how does it help you?

So far, I have only had short-term experience with CBD, but it showed its effect really soon. Due to a motorcycle accident and the resulting paralysis, I often have nerve pain (phantom pain). My spinal cord, in contrast to other wheelchair users, is still intact, but I have suffered a nerve root tear in the hip – and pelvic area, which is responsible for my paralysis. The pain in the nerves (phantom pain) usually appears before a strong change in the weather and pierces like knives without warning in different areas of my paralyzed legs. I’ve been taking Ibuprofen for the pain for five years. The application varies on some days from 1 to 3 tablets a 600mg. The maximum was once 7 Ibuprofen, because I could not stand the pain, but that ruined my intestinal flora. Since I’m worried about the long-term intake of such chemicals, I’m always on the lookout for alternative products and try them out, that’s how I got to CBD. So far, I only consumed a small bottle of 10 ml, at irregular intervals. Despite the rare intake, my sleep was clearly much better after each intake.

What fascinates you about wheelchair bodybuilding?

Bodybuilding for me is one of the most challenging and fascinating sports. Bodybuilding is not just a sport, it captures the entire everyday life. It starts in the morning when getting up and ends with bedtime. Even sleep is very crucial and therefore the positive effect of CBD is interesting for me. In my opinion, bodybuilding consists of three areas. Training, nutrition and mindset that only lead to a successful result in combination. In training, there are no excuses and it is always a challenge, because you have to muster up the will to go beyond your limits with each workout. If you do not go beyond your limits, no muscle growth is to be expected. This is where nutrition comes into play. Even if you are exercising excessively, it is not possible to think about muscle growth without excess nutrients. This is how training and nutrition work together like a cog wheel. In order to balance muscle growth and nutrition, a strong mindset is a prerequisite to teasing the maximum out of his body. Bodybuilding doesn’t only strengthen muscles, but also the mind.

Are you currently using our Hemp Protein?

Since my competition diet is slowly getting into the “hot phase”, I am not yet allowed to use the protein due to the fats it contains. After my competition first a regeneration phase waits for me, so that the body can recover from the exertions. Here, the hemp protein will certainly support me well, so that I can go back into the building phase strengthened.

You have an important competition coming up in April, which kind of competition is it?

On 27.04.2019 the Masters and Junior Championship will take place.

On 28.04.2019 the Rheinlandpfalz championship takes place.

On both dates, I compete in the handicap class.

What difficulties do you face in sports?

For me, some things are more exhausting, but there are not really any difficulties. I do not compare my current situation with people who can walk. If some weights are too heavy for me, I open my mouth and get the weights. No one has ever refused to help, on the contrary, the people are very helpful and often approach me by themselves. It is your own performance which determines how your environment reacts to you. If you have a negative and repellent appearance, you are unattractive to people. It is your inner attitude, your attitude, that makes the difference. Sometimes weights are wildly scattered around in the gym, and here, too, I’m no different than others. I push them aside as well or put them in the right place as other people do. Just because you have a disability, you should not immediately see yourself as a victim. If it allows the disability, you can remove the stuff just as much as other people do. Yes, it may sometimes be more strenuous and annoying, but on the other hand it is like a kind of training for everyday life. If I can not sit on some equipment because another device is too close, or I have a poor sitting position in it, I’m just thinking of another exercise that can train the muscle I wanted to exercise with this device as well. Many paths lead to the goal, sometimes you just have to rethink and look for other ways.

What do you expect from the cooperation with Apoteum?

I expect from the cooperation with Apoteum that the products will be effective and that I may, with a natural product, reduce, and in the best case even withdraw from chemical products entirely. I also like to learn something new and enjoy taking on challenges. I like the collaboration in the form of online marketing, but only because I stand behind the product.

Which products do you currently use?

I currently use the Gold hemp capsules, the CBD oil at 2% and the hemp balsam.

Is naturalness of importance to you in bodybuilding? If so, why and how do you live that?

For me, naturalness in bodybuilding is important, but I do not give up entirely on industrially produced supplements. As with all things in life, finding a middle ground is important. So, I balance between natural and industrial resources. Extremes, no matter what are never good. We should train our senses to feel when the body needs a break from a thing, be it food, thought or action. Many people live unconsciously and do not pay attention to the signals of their body. The body can be challenged, but you should give it time to regenerate, and give him gratitude. The body is a tool that communicates with our mind. Our mind expresses itself with the help of our body in the material world. For this reason, we should treat our body with respect, be grateful to it, and pay attention to its signals.

Do you have tips for other (wheelchair) bodybuilders?

My tip for all people: Set goals, otherwise you will always start projects, but never bring them to an end. Or you will drive haphazardly through your life and at some point, regret not having done more. Know your why, then it comes on its own. Set goals with a noble motivation. If you set yourself superficial goals, you are more willing to give up than goals that are dear to your heart. Another recommendation from me: less whining, more toughing it up, and acting. In no city in the world are monuments of grumblers. Look for role models and see exactly why they have become successful, but do not try to compete with them. Just try to be better today than yesterday. Do not point your finger at others, focus on yourself. Do not rely on others. You are responsible for your life, and everything you invest in your life will eventually pay off.

Sunday afternoon in Vienna. A shock for sustainable small businesses like ours. Minister Hartinger-Klein (FPÖ) wants to ban sales of foods and cosmetics that contain cannabinoids. The minister refers to an EU-regulation concerning novel foods in her press release. The EU commission refutes the interpretation of this regulation, that the regulation would deem the selling of Cannabinoid containing products illegal. Only products that were artificially enriched with CBD would fall under this regulation. Natural products like ours could hence still be sold. The minister contradicts this opinion. Costumers and sellers are left insecure.

For many companies in Austria this would mean that they would have to let countless employees go into an uncertain future. Moreover, customers of sustainable small businesses like ours would face negative consequences. Costumers would most likely only be able to get the healing CBD products in pharmacies for much higher prices. There seems to be no logical reason behind the legislation, especially as it would still be allowed to smoke CBD products. Drinking it as tea, however, wouldn’t.

The press release leaves a bitter aftertaste. It seems like the FPÖ-Minister would, once more, take the side of big pharma, instead of speaking up for the health of the Austrian population. Just recently she was in the press because of her going back on the legislation concerning smoking in restaurants.

The situation is uncertain, not only for employees but also for people who are depending on the positive effects of CBD products. CBD offers many patients a sustainable and gentle alternative to chemical concoctions and offers them relieve. Luckily, we are still able to export our products and ship them to customers in other European countries

We are calling on Minister Hartinger-Klein to ensure clarity and to reconsider her position regarding hemp products.