Who would think that depression could result in a completely positive lifestyle change?
That was what happened to Theresa Tan.
“I went through a bout of depression last year and even went for counseling. I just stayed in my room all day moping. Then one day, I decided I needed to just get myself out of the room and one way was to get physical.”
Having not exercised on a regular basis, the initial start-up was tough, but to Theresa the motivation to do something about her depression got her going. What started as just a three-month trial gym membership turned into more than a year of hitting the gym hard.
“I got hooked!” Theresa says with great enthusiasm. Now she joins more than three exercise classes each week.
What happened to the depression then? According to Theresa, a Victoria University Honours Education Studies student, exercising enabled her to release her negative energies and vent her frustration in a very physical way. She imagines her frustrations on the punching bag for example, and after a few hard punches, her frustrations and anger didn’t seem too daunting.
There are perks that comes with exercising as well. “It is very liberating and empowering,” says Theresa.
Exercising helped her become more positive and mentally alert. She feels more alive than ever. She has learnt that being fit and healthy has to do with having the right knowledge. She started turning to fitness and nutrition magazines and changing her eating habits.
Within a few months, Theresa dropped from a size 14 to size eight. Friends have started to notice her dramatic weight lost and some were so inspired that they signed up for the gym immediately.
“You realise that just by eating a donut, you will have work out for an hour to lose the 400 calories gained. It is not worth it sometimes,” says Theresa.
To those thinking of joining exercise classes, Theresa advises that one should start with something small and low impact first.
“Go slow. Choose something that you like and that you will have fun with.”
Theresa’s transformation reminds us that any change is possible and no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
So go on, do something you always wanted to do but are too lazy to start.