By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2014
This week’s article is dedicated to a couple of friends of mine battling depression due to personal tragedies. We’ve all had or will encounter adverse situations in our lives, like divorce, loss of a loved one and unemployment. I’ve experienced all three, and weight training became my medicine. My goal was to wear myself out in order to sleep at night, but it helped me to start enjoying life again. To my surprise, I was able to get into incredible shape through the process.
Duke University performed a study finding 60 percent of people who trained four months for 40 minutes four times a week overcame depression without the use of antidepressant medication.
A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression more successfully than counseling.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, some people need professional help, along with support from family and friends. I’m only giving you an option to consider because it worked for me personally.
Some proven facts from weight training are — instant release of endorphins which is the “feel good” hormone, stress reduction, increased energy levels and improved immune system.
Go outside to walk, run or bike and move faster than before. Feel the fresh air filling your lungs, the sun radiating on your skin and the sweat pouring to cool your body against the wind.
Get into a weight room to take out all your anxiety and frustration against the hard cold iron. Challenge yourself and push more weight than usual. Use every force of muscle to its limits with a “take no prisoner” attitude. You’ll walk out of that gym ready to conquer whatever life throws at you.
You’re going to feel better, look better and receive plenty of attention and compliments on your new body.
Remember, you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you respond to it. Surround yourself around happy people, watch comedy shows and movies, read motivational books and put on some great music to dance around the house showing off your best moves.
Life is awesome because you’re in it with me. Through my years, I’ve found beauty and love in everyone and it’s changed my life forever.