4000 Rep Challenge Aims To Raise Awareness And Start Conversations About Mental Health
/Peterborough local Joe Keating will host the second annual ‘4000 Rep Challenge’ to promote open and honest dialogue regarding mental health.
Joe and his daughter Alexis during last years event. Photo courtesy of Joe Keating.
In 2021 Keating started the 4000 Rep Challenge after struggling with depression his whole life.
“I saw something saying that 4000 people commit suicide every year in Canada,” said Keating. “I’ve had personal experience with suicide, I’m very open with my own mental health issues. One of the ways I help to mitigate my symptoms is through exercise.”
Keating, who is a certified kettlebell instructor, says the 4000 Reps Challenge is a way to recognize people who have taken their own lives and a way to open up conversations that may help someone from getting to that point.
“Exercise helps me overcome some of my struggles,” he said. “For me exercise combined with medication helps me with my symptoms everyday. It’s not for everyone but I would encourage everyone to exercise even 20 minutes a day to help them out. It’s like a physical meditation - if that makes any sense. It may not be the answer for everyone but it certainly can’t hurt to try.”
