Diagnosed With Parkinson's at 27, He Became a World Record Holder & American Ninja Warrior – With Jimmy Choi

The Model Health Show

Shawn Stevenson

Fitness, Health & Fitness, Nutrition

4.8 • 7.3K Ratings

🗓️ 18 March 2026

⏱️ 79 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When faced with a challenging situation like a life changing diagnosis, it can be easy to feel defeated or go into denial. But if you can channel your inner strength and tap into the right mindset, most of us would be surprised at what we can accomplish, how vast our capacities actually are, and how we can break past our limits to achieve more than we ever imagined possible. Today, you’re going to hear a powerful story of overcoming. Today’s guest, Jimmy Choi is an endurance athlete who was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 27. Despite his diagnosis, Jimmy is able to maintain an active lifestyle, including running marathons, competing as an American Ninja Warrior and setting multiple Guinness World Records. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Jimmy is sharing his inspirational story of living with Parkinson’s disease. You’re going to hear about his experience going through denial, how he started training to manage his symptoms, the role of mindset in overcoming health challenges, and so much more. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: The story of Jimmy’s diagnosis. (6:02) How an accident inspired Jimmy to get stronger. (13:33) Why getting involved with Parkinson’s research helped Jimmy become active. (18:06) The difference between consistency and perfection. (27:30) How exercise can help improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. (29:33) Why having a purpose in the gym is so helpful in making changes. (32:33) The difference between motivation and discipline. (58:42) Jimmy’s approach to diet and nutrition. (1:05:46) The role mindset plays in managing chronic illnesses. (1:09:50) Items mentioned in this episode include: Paleovalley.com/model - Use code MODEL for 15% off! Peluva.com/model - Get 15% off barefoot shoes with my code MODEL! The Michael J. Fox Foundation - Learn about Parkinson’s disease research! Connect with Jimmy Choi Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Paleovalley and Peluva. Use my code MODEL at Paleovalley.com/model to save 15% sitewide on nutrient dense snacks, superfood supplements, and more. Peluva’s barefoot minimalist shoes support postural alignment, proprioception, and overall functionality. Get 15% off your order by using code MODEL at peluva.com/model.

Transcript

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0:00.0	You are now listening to The Model Health Show with Sean Stevenson.
0:04.8	For more, visit themodelhealthshow.com.
0:10.1	Welcome to the Model Health Show.
0:11.7	This is Fitness and Nutrition expert Sean Stevenson,
0:13.8	and I'm so grateful for you tuning in with me today.
0:17.0	One thing is for certain in this lifetime,
0:19.1	we are going to face adversity.
0:22.1	Millions of people every day are struggling and trying to find a way through the pain that
0:28.8	they're experiencing, the chronic conditions that they may be experiencing, the life conditions
0:33.8	that they may be experiencing.
0:36.5	And today, this episode is so special, so powerful,
0:40.6	because it is a true testament to what is possible for all of us, the potential of the human
0:47.3	spirit. And our special guest today was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease
0:53.4	during his prime of life years in his 20s.
0:58.1	And to say that it shattered his reality is an understatement.
1:03.0	And on this very special episode, you're going to hear his origin stories and how he came
1:08.6	to that critical point and what he's been able to accomplish and
1:13.3	transform his life into since then. And I'm telling you right now, it is what's going to seem
1:20.8	to be miraculous on the surface, but he's going to share with you the principles behind how he was
1:25.8	able to achieve what he's achieved. This is one for us to remember when we're going through our difficulties,
1:32.3	and when we're micromanaging and debating with ourselves about what we want to accomplish,
1:37.3	is going to help us to get up and to get going,
	...

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