The Strength to Lift Myself | by Stephen Horgan

I previously spoke about my journey with mental health and how it has affected how I want to develop and improve myself. During this process it has required me to create new focuses in my life. When you are struggling mentally one of the easiest things to do is start something new, because that initial release of excitement and joy masks the underlying feelings. The hardest thing to do is to keep it going.

One place I found seemed to be a haven for people struggling with mental and physical problems. That place was the gym. I had been a member of the gym before, but had never got the bug. I didn’t even have the capacity to quit, as I was too embarrassed and for months paid for it without going. Until I finally sent an email saying “I was emigrating and could they cancel….” I definitely wasn't.

Fast forward to a few years ago and I decided I needed to do something to make myself feel better both inside and out. So I joined a new gym, started training and dived into the world of Youtube for advice, training and inspiration. It was there that I discovered Powerlifting. A discipline that involved training the ‘Big 3’ lifts. Squats, Bench Press & Deadlifts.

The lifts required technique and strength, so it took some time before I saw any improvement. A few months down the line I felt stronger and happier. I had developed friendships at the gym, friendships online, and interests in healthy eating, personal development, activities, and mental strength. I had definitely found a way to improve myself and finally started a journey to acknowledge my own mental health issues.

The gym might not be for everyone, it can be a daunting place. But we should be aware that most people there are going through the same things. Pushing themselves to be better, or just trying to find a way to gain the strength they need to change. The Fitness and Gym community both locally and globally will always have someone out there willing to help you and lift you up.

See below a Beginner's Guide to Training Powerlifting:- 4-4-8 Program taken from www.liftvault.com

In my journey I am still trying to improve, that is why I joined the Data Fellowship Apprenticeship so I could once again push myself, learn a new skill, and use it to improve and grow. I hope that one day I can say my mental health is not something I focus on in a negative way, but look back and see these accomplishments and recognise them as the steps on the ladder to a healthier and happier life.

So finally, my advice is to step outside of your comfort zone, and try something new. Whether you are struggling or just in need of a change. Join a gym, start a course, join that community and see where it takes you.
 

Stephen Horgan is a Data Fellowship Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover and is writing for the Apprentice Lens as part of the Blogging Team. Stephen is based in Halewood, Liverpool. Here is a little more about him:

“Hi, I'm Stephen. I'm a time-served Maintenance Engineer. I currently work for JLR where I'm trying to progress into an engineering role. I hope to gain experience in working with data and develop the skills needed to progress into a role where using data is an everyday task. I'm inspired by technology and the innovations that are occurring on a daily basis in all areas of life.”