Balletto uses new stimulation bike at Cranston’s YMCA

Matt Metcalf
Posted 7/7/15

It’s not that long ago that Cranston’s Gary Balletto was handling opponents with ease in the boxing ring.

But that changed two years ago, when a pull-up bar accident in his backyard broke his …

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Balletto uses new stimulation bike at Cranston’s YMCA

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It’s not that long ago that Cranston’s Gary Balletto was handling opponents with ease in the boxing ring.

But that changed two years ago, when a pull-up bar accident in his backyard broke his neck, leaving Balletto paralyzed from the waist down.

The boxer who faced some immensely tough battles in the ring, was suddenly left with his toughest outside the ring.

But he has set out to prove that he can overcome this giant of a feat, serving as an inspiration to others.

Last Tuesday at the YMCA in Cranston, there sat Balletto, riding a bike in the gym.

However, this was no ordinary bike.

It was a Functional Electrical Stimulation bike – the first in the state of Rhode Island. This bike’s strong stimulation allows Balletto to pedal.

He does it to strengthen his muscles, so when there is a cure one day, he expects not only to walk, but to run as well.

Balletto rides the bike everyday to make those muscles as strong as possible, and to maintain that strength.

His courage has inspired the community – both those who are in wheelchairs and those who aren’t.

“I’ve been a motivation to people not only in wheelchairs, but regular people who are looking to take care of themselves everyday,” Balletto said.

He urges all people to take care of themselves and work out. He believes that if he can do it, everyone can do it.

“I push people to work out because, if people see me in my condition, then there’s no reason why everyone can’t work out,” Balletto said.

Balletto is confident that a cure for his condition will surface soon, whether it be through surgery or stem cell research. When it does, the fighter will be ready to deliver a knockout blow once again.

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