Did you hear about how a Disabled vet turns to physical fitness to help him and others press on?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:42:22 -0400

Did you hear about how a Disabled vet turns to physical fitness to help him and others press on?

RP Members another great story about a Disabled Veteran that turned physicial fitness into a remedy for depression and is helping other vets!

http://www.stripes.com/news/disabled-vet-turns-to-physical-fitness-to-help-him-and-others-press-on-1.369553

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.

Disabled vet turns to physical fitness to help him and others press on

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 advice.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 10:56 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:56:31 -0400

I love to see stories like this. I know a lot of disabled vets that end up being very into fitness including opening gyms, becoming trainers, etc. I think it is a physical outlet that also lends to help emotionally. I think it's healthy and I'm glad to see it!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 11:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:03:50 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Yes I've heard about and watched these. The videos fun and humorous.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 23 at 2015 11:07 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:07:10 -0400

No I did not hear or read about how a Disabled vet turns to physical fitness to help him and others press on COL Mikel J. Burroughs; but, I am not surprised.
Military service members and veterans are generally known to be willing and able to help out other members.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 23 at 2015 11:40 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:40:59 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs This guy is awesome! Educational, motivational, funny all at the same time. Definitely not safe for work, but great anyway.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 23 at 2015 11:47 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:47:20 -0400

Yes & I trained disabled veterans at 24 Hr Finess in 1994. We had one guy in a wheel chair who worked out with pullies & I just let them decide what gym equipment they felt comfortable with. And these guys were great to worikout with..

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 23 at 2015 11:47 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:47:25 -0400

Thanks for the inspirational post

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 23 at 2015 11:59 AM

Cpl James Waycasie — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:59:47 -0400

OOORRRRAAAHHHHHHH. Make your life and own it!. Great work.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 23 at 2015 12:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:40:38 -0400

Physical activities can be very therapeutic. One winter I took my ax to the forest and culled all the small trees. I was me, the ax, and the trees.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Sep 24 at 2015 1:58 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 01:58:47 -0400

Derek is awesome. He is a testament to overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you and not letting your disability take control of you. He makes funny videos but is also willing to give people advice on getting into and staying in shape offering to answer most questions you toss his way. I can honestly say if I knew anyone who was disabled that had low self esteem or anything like that I would definitely show them some of his videos.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 24 at 2015 10:51 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:51:19 -0400

People think that if they see a disabled person working out, that person must not really be disabled. The reality is quite the opposite - that working out helps keep the disabilities stabilized so they don't get worse.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 12:34 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:34:23 -0400

Derek Weida and the whole ART15 crew are an awesome group of vets. Love seeing their videos and products!