Bodybuilding with Ehlers-Danlos & Multiple Sclerosis: Marie Pontini's Road to Olympia Stage

The Olympia is the biggest bodybuilding stage in the world. As a bodybuilder, you can't climb any higher than this. Imagine how gruelling the prep is, now imagine doing it with the added challenges of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Marie Pontini is a former chemical engineer, director, finance & insurance, and business owner. She was officially diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS in 2016, then received her hEDS diagnosis in 2017.

In 2018, with unbearable neuropathic pain, Marie started bodybuilding as a way to empower herself over the situation - "the gym pain is one that I choose". She started competing in 2019, and is currently prepping to compete at the Amateur Arnold competition on 29th February 2024. Provided her body allows it, her flights are already booked to compete at the Olympia in October 2024!

Nothing about what Marie does is easy. Over the years she has had to make adaptations to her training and nutrition as both of her conditions progress. Because of paralysis in her digestive system, right now she has to water fast (under medical supervision) and her only way to train for the Arnolds is using a mind-muscle connection method without any external load.

In this podcast we talk about some of the ways Marie has adapted the training to her changing symptoms, the obstacles she's currently facing, how she finds her limits with MS and hEDS, her thoughts around finding/redefining your identity with chronic illness, and her mentality when it comes to navigating these two conditions. I want to thank Marie for sharing her story so openly, as well as sharing her infectious smile and energy.

00:00 Intro
01:53 Welcome Marie
04:30 Getting Into Bodybuilding
09:50 Challenges In Bodybuilding
14:45 Gastroparesis Testing
15:53 Adapting Strength Training for EDS & MS
24:11 Emotional Flexibility
31:24 Training Helps EDS
38:55 Having Fun With Training
42:07 Letting Go Of Control
47:23 Denial Isn't The Answer
01:01:53 Redefining Yourself After Diagnosis
01:08:16 Supporting Marie's Journey
01:09:48 Final Words
01:11:02 Outro


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MARIE TO REACH THE ARNOLD STAGE, HERE IS THE LINK TO THE GOFUNDME:
https://gofund.me/3b40e290

As Marie is currently funding her prep with disability income, any donations - big or small - are appreciated.

Or if you want to follow Marie on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariepontini/

CONTENT WARNING: This podcast discusses heavy topics including medical assistance in dying (MAID)
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**Disclaimer: the information in this podcast is not medical advice and is for entertainment purposes only. Consult a good doctor before engaging in any new exercise.**

Your Host - Annie Short: Strength Coach, Exercise Scientist, Powerlifter, Bodybuilder, and Ehlers-Danlos'er

Don't forget to follow me for more EDS + training content:
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