Posted on 09/25/2015 8:31:06 AM PDT by w1n1
Derek Weida’s humorous, profanity-filled Internet videos on bodybuilding and weight loss have attracted millions of viewers. The amputee veteran has his own clothing line, and tens of thousands of people have reached out to him for diet and exercise advice.
But Weida, 29, who credits fitness with helping him break out of severe depression after an insurgent’s bullet ended his Army career, said he would gladly give up his Web fame if he could return to active duty.
Through motivational videos and a nonprofit that helps veterans cover fitness-related expenses, Weida has found a new way to serve by trying to recreate his success for others.
“The two things that really helped me fall out of that dark period of my life was reconnecting with my veteran friends and purpose-driven fitness,” he said. “We use fitness as an alternative to alcohol and things like that. I think fitness is kind of the universal healer.”
The Next Objective, sustained by donations and “committed to empowering returning service members to overcome obstacles and achieve post-military success,” has given about $16,000 in grants this year to help veterans pay for gym memberships, personal training and event sponsorships, Weida said.
“A lot of veterans stop taking care of themselves; they stop doing [physical training] and they get out and gain 30 to 50 pounds, which can fuel some depression,” he said. “A lot of that can be combatted by re-establishing that sense of pride within them, and reminding them how great they are.” Read the rest of the story here.
Exercise has been demonstrated as being more effective than meds for depression.
Depression saps your motivation, and then when you aren’t out and doing things, you get more depressed. It’s a vicious cycle.
Sometimes just forcing yourself to go out and do ANYTHING can get you back on the right track.
Exercise releases endorphins, antihistamines, and a real sense of accomplishment.
“We can’t see what’s in front of us, but if we keep moving forward, eventually we’ll get there. If we stop and we quit, we’ll never find out what’s next for us in life.”
Just around the river bend. Keep paddling.
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