Powerlifting to Overcome My Eating Disorder & Depression | An Interview With Maddy Forberg

[@killerwaspy1303]

Who is here from Brute Strength?

[@nakeasimone13]

Killer Waspy ✋🏾✋🏾✋🏾

[@blackpinkstannn]

me, I wasn't sure if I'd like Maddy considering i'm not into powerlifting and her personality came off slightly weird to me but she's awesome.

[@jasonhernandez3643]

Hahaha I am. Didn’t know who this was before that

[@stankytoes1092]

Hi there

[@stankytoes1092]

But i had no clue she had depression tho

[@brianbevilacqua3114]

Lifting saves my life as well. 6 detoxes, 3 rehabs, a psych ward, jail. 13 years of drug addiction and depression and nothing is better therapy than heavy weights!!

[@madysarr8845]

Brian Bevilacqua Really. You've gone through a lot and came out the other end

[@brianbevilacqua3114]

yeah thanks. i got 200 days clean today and im hitting P.R.'s!!

[@charlesgaffney115]

What's your squat

[@bloozism]

Brian Bevilacqua lifting is what keeps me sane in the military. Only good habit I have.

[@charlesgaffney115]

bloozism what branch

[@Elinbenfelin]

She has THE BEST lifting face

[@MusicdudeForever123]

Elin Thom ikr she doesnt look like dumb or constipated when doing heavy lifts!!! Her lifting face is rlly cute, cool, and strong haha

[@NeedSpeed39]

like a cute happy dinosaur ^_^

[@christinazito7438]

Her lifting face makes me laugh I love it haha

[@ascend3654]

and I have the best sitting face ....for her butt

[@6subswith0vids80]

@@NeedSpeed39 she does look like a dinosaur LMAO (a cute one tho)

[@ferna2294]

Sports are a great anti depressant. Lifting also helped me overcome depression, with the help of medication and good fellas around me.

[@marinmarinhola]

Totally, physical activity rules. I wanted to die while getting my 5 year Electronic Engineering Degree, felt lifeless. Then I started dancing Salsa and Bachata, plus going to the gym in my spare time, and everything in my life changed for the best. Now I couldn't be happier with myself, and my grades went way up too, even if I had less time.

[@kianaward4829]

lifting also saved my life. i was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when i was 16. first time i got sick i was in a wheel chair nd i hated every minute of it. i’m 26 now nd i walk without a wheelchair nd just a slight limp. life is good now tho, i’m not as depressed as i was. it’s hard work but i’ve met some really great ppl at the gym

[@iam_trinikimmy]

Girl I miss the gym sigh. I am awaiting my hysterectomy and I cannot wait to get back to lifting. I started well over a decade ago when I ended a bad relationship and I needed a distraction. I was going to the gym 2x a day, then came my Adenomyosis years #sigh. Surgery and all that. Over the years, I have had mobility issues also due to thyroid imbalance. I never want to be back there again! As it is a simple workout is a challenge for me. Patiently waiting to get out & I get back. Wish me luck & lifting!

[@nichtvoninteresse5689]

Hey dude, I was also diagnosed with MS and had to quit smoking because of it. Started lifting as an alternative addiction and haven't looked back. Stay strong!

[@kianaward4829]

hey that’s great congratulation nd keep up that good work

[@nichtvoninteresse5689]

@@kianaward4829 Thanks man, I wish you the best!

[@babykiwer2005]

My dad has MS and is bed ridden and can’t speak anymore. He would say do what you can as long as you can.

[@deansaylor9164]

Maddy the glutes and thighs are off the chart but you’re mind and outlook are in another world.Its safe to say your future looks great.

[@janetchavez4012]

By no means am I anywhere near being a power lifter but she gives me motivation that I can do anything and be proud of my abilities :)

[@vanillagorilla480]

Squat, bench, barbell row, deadlift and overhead press. You ARE a powerlifter. Doesn't matter how much you're lifting, it matters how you're lifting. The "how much" will come with consistency.

[@8LaChica]

Same! Just started gym lol

[@Zuma444]

I used to be a very angry person and lifting was always so therapeutic for me to vent my frustrations and has hooked me ever since

[@RababAlhunaidi]

Strong is the new beauty ❤️

[@v0idness]

meh, no. you can be beautiful without being powerlifter-strong.

[@gorillacomando]

Saw her in brute showdown she's so cool and pretty

[@andreabea7505]

I love this! Resistance training saved me. Struggled with severe bulimia and depression. But training just made me feel so happy and satisfied that my body naturally adapted and began healing itself. My focus now is just getting stronger everyday, and continuously challenging myself.

[@MT-jm1qt]

I know this was commented more than a year ago but do you have any advice for beginners in resistance training. Like how to actually start? Wasn't athletic at all during most of my childhood but I'm 20 now and I would like to change that

[@andreabea7505]

M. T hiiii, i’m not an expert but I started with the basics. Lateral raises, curls, presses, etc. What it should look like and proper form. Even the machines and how to use them. I suggest focusing on perfect form first even if the weight isn’t heavy yet. Keep repeating until it’s muscle memory. Learn isolation exercises and also compound exercises. Research and dont be afraid to experiment on what combination of exercises are right for you.

[@andreabea7505]

M. T to be honest, if i dont have an idea what to do that session, i look at instagram fitness girls/guys (make sure follow the informative ones and not those with bad form/facts) and look at what set of exercises they do that day. And try to use that as foundation to make my own set. I separate my training days per week as upper body, then lower body, then repeat. Slip some cardio/ab day if im feeling it. This is so that one body group can recover while you train the other body group. Study your body where you think you need most improvement and set that as your main day of the week.

[@andreabea7505]

M. T GOOD LUCK WITH YOU! And i kept rambling but I hope it was helpful anyway. I’m no where near an expert but I was a beginner too, so I totally get it. It’s scary at first. But once you realize to shift the focus on yourself, and not be intimidated by other people. that’s where you start growing and improving! I’m cheering you on! And happy lifting!

[@MT-jm1qt]

@@andreabea7505 Thank you so much! All your advice was so thoughtful and will definitely be helpful. 💮🔥

[@josephgerichs6891]

Damn. She squats 265 for reps. That's more than my 1 two max. Impressive woman.

[@josephgerichs6891]

1 rep max**

[@rudyrich9817]

You ré weak as fuck man

[@havok8570]

For real, her max squat is the same as mine.

[@damiansconberg4715]

@@rudyrich9817 I'd rather be 'weak' than be an asshole

[@WeiderMystic]

Get after it

[@VoidOfEulogy]

Cool to see guys lift some amazing weights, but stuff like this down to earth, no bullshit interviews are amazing, and really cool chick! More of this.

[@darthvader4867]

That’s so awesome. We need more women who lift.

[@fionawu1121]

3:53 THAT TIMING THO WITH HER LEGS AND THE BEAT

[@lupuscorvus841]

She seems so chill. Like somebody I'd enjoy sitting down to lunch with and just talking about music or whatever else.

[@kaleta036]

I thought you were the greatest before I knew you were a nurse. OMG 🙌🏻

[@juliusgil6246]

I can understand where she comes from a lot. Being young and hating my body, thinking I was to big when really I wasn’t. Working out to much to get skinny and not eating enough which led to being sick and tired. I was always so negative and sad but after constantly falling to this cycle of sadness I decided I wanted to put an end to it. I started working out to be healthy and tried to keep everything negative out of my head. Then slowly I began working out to get stronger. I’m so much happier now and I’m proud of all the work I put in to pull myself out of my depression. I hope this can help or inspire someone out there as well.

[@mermaidshawna8664]

I liked this video before it even started- I love her and her story! I lift and I'm starting nursing school in a few months

[@tristanlake1909]

I deal with depression too but don’t talk about it. It’s hard. I don’t have friends I just lift

[@MiSSkOCALiNA]

Tristan Lake seek professional help! You don’t need to waste your time feeling miserable

[@sdsith]

Exactly! Lifting is great and it's really good that you enjoy it but you deserve to enjoy EVERY aspect of you life. Go get help, there's absolutely no shame in it. You deserve to be happy.

[@wkdbty]

Getting in the word, fitness and coffee helps me. Be your own hero and use your time with yourself to learn how to love You! Keep up the good work.

[@sumandhillon4333]

Same😞

[@sumandhillon4333]

@@wkdbty great

[@karimartinez12310]

it makes me sad that I can't like this more than once. You are an inspiration and a mirror for me. I too have gone through years of depression, eating disorder (anorexia), body image issues, emotional and metal abuse in my marriage, and having to raise my two boys on my own after my marriage ended. I took up lifting to lose weight too and i quickly fell in love with it and with the feeling of how strong i have become. Lifting seriously saved my life and the lives of my children, because i am still alive and there for them. Now i rarely have bad days and i'm kicking butt at life and building my body all at the same time

[@jamesl1806]

Such a high achiever yet so humble!

[@masterbrainthevollmilch7091]

I actually had some tears running down my face at the end of the video from her emotional story. She's inspiring and super cool to follow her goals like this!

[@recipebender9582]

I had a drug addiction and had been diagnosed with clinical depression and panic disorder. The gym has saved my life. Thank you for this video ❤️

[@ginpye2002]

A strong, determined, and well-rounded woman. You inspire me and so many others. Thank you for sharing, Maddy 💖

[@PartyRocker991]

I love maddy so much she's such a likeable girl, cant wait to see how strong she gets!

[@markt1067]

Very happy for you that you found something you love to do. On a side note, not everyone who tries to build muscle/ create a great body is miserable. I find it very challenging and extremely rewarding growing/changing the way I look.

[@aliciaislam7351]

You are so beautifully motivated and powerful in so many ways thank you for touching my heart!!!!

[@frog482]

Always great to see people find something they love and get through depression. You’re a badass Maddy!

[@cheriejones3965]

I am very inspired by her story about being an overcomer. She has transformed her life and I respect her journey. I have these pull up bands that I work out on. But lately I really to start lifting 5lbs to 10lbs weights or dumbbells. I was really sick over a year ago and I was in the hospital for almost 2 and half weeks.

[@claudiamarianidamato9499]

You’re an inspiration ! So beautiful . Lifting saved my life too I was extremely intolerant to gluten and could not absorb any nutrients no matter how much I ate I was 92 lbs at 5’5” and gained over 40 lbs in muscle .

[@xcuu]

Keep it going Maddy! It’s nice to see how lifting helps other people

[@ricktyricktywrecked5777]

Competitive Powerlifting is very directly how I've dealt with being bi-polar. I mean of course medication n shit but really the therapy for me is the sport.

[@TonberryShuffle]

She brought up a great point here and is something that helped shape my own workouts. You want goal orientated fitness goals. Not something generic like "Get thinner". Even a "Get to X lbs" isn't specific enough. Not unless you're just already super disciplined AND motivated; generally already the type of person that didn't need any extra help to get yourself to the gym and to stay there. Likewise, have a goal that can improve or to have multiple goals. So, when you meet that goal you can shift your focus to another harder goal.

[@LeighBresnahan]

I love her! What a truly inspirational woman!

[@therubenmarcelino]

You go girl! Well done! I’m working on my own depression and the gym helps a lot! And like you said, find something to laugh at daily is so important. Yes! Keep going! 🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@tracysimon9242]

Maddy, I was very impressed by your testimony. Keep the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and put him first and you can overcome anything. I have been lifting for 48 years and competed in the old A.D.F.P.A Keep up the good work!

[@TheNobleBard]

Maddie seems like a really cool woman. I'd love to lift with her. She seems chill.

[@ConradMarbourg3635]

Litfing and MMA saved me from anorexia and to some extent scarification, they did somehow saved me from depression as I'm a dead man walking, so yeah depressed but walking. God created me as a trash and so be it, will be conforted in the after life.

[@andrewhawcroft3587]

Very good of her to speak out about her issues, plus dedicating her life to helping others is no small thing. She's pretty terrific all round.

[@danielhammerl4586]

You have found your passion in this sport. And so you are a inspiration to many others. The past is written but future can be changed everytime. Stay strong and keep holding your way! ✌

[@Gemxvx]

I love Maddy! She’s got such a great personality.

[@송예담-i4r]

Sports really do help you get over eating disorders and it's amazing. Ofc not everyone is the same but it worked with me and it seems like it did with Maddy too

[@stevenbell482]

#Maddy good on you, much Respect. Keep it up, the passion for what u do!

[@phil1v21]

Yay, Maddie ❤ So proud of you! I am looking more into working on my strength and abilities as well compared to how my body looks, not sure if I can do powerlifting but you are inspiring! --Elizabeth

[@scubasteve9566]

She's pretty AF.

[@johnswaim3919]

Definitely!

[@sophiegosselin5280]

She's so inspirational. Maddie we love you 😍

[@MPB059]

I have anxiety and adjustment disorder with depressive mood and lifting weights always brings me a happier mood when I workout!

[@jacquelinesanchez8792]

She seems so amazing 😭💓

[@LatimusChadimus]

Olympic weight lifting has helped my lifts but Strongman and calisthenics are fun for non heavy, accessory days. Bodybuilding lats and triceps will help your deadlifting. Great video to watch and listen to

[@ibear2554]

I admire you female powerlifter so much! Awesome! Keep at it!

[@xplane6693]

Medications helped me with depression,but lifting made it AHMAZING for me. Never been happier!

[@noonevincecarterfan]

Fantastic personality! Obviously a generous kind human being, not just caring about herself. Reminds me of Sue Bird, talks like her as well.

[@green8718]

Brute Strength Showdown brought me here. I liked Maddy's personality and cheerfulness, and I was very impressed with her deadlift. Keep up the good work!

[@ricardomauricioaraya7625]

Why is this on my recommendations? Is it because I'm depressed and really need to lift!!??

[@laurenann9330]

I’m obsessed with her and her story😍😍

[@natasnatas9581]

weightlifting is definitly great therapy.all power to you Maddy.

[@cesarperez2216]

Exercise can definitely help you. Its the best for self improvement and can distract you from everything negative around you. I could’ve hanged out with all the hoodlums from my neighborhood, but there was something about kickboxing, sparring, jump rope, weight lifting etc that helped me improve myself, cope and stay out of trouble

[@jessica1580]

She's phenomenal wow. Very inspiring

[@jamestimm5028]

Thank you for being my mentor your are a special woman

[@Patrick.E.]

She seems very at peace. Good for her

[@momomelon8380]

I love her we have the same interests and have similar backstory but she’s an absolute beast my goals 😍so inspirational

[@joncrowder7870]

Love Maddy. Think she's great. She did great at the Arnold last week, and she out-lifts me. She's inspiring.

[@sudhan152]

One hell of a woman

[@apuuvah]

Power is never a weakness. Mental aspect of sports carries over to many things.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

Everyone has their exertion face. Hers is the Billy Bob Thorton Slingblade face...."Reckon you can make me some biscuits?"

[@Jxm26]

😂😂😂

[@TuiFit]

😂😂😂😂

[@louisanelson7948]

French fry taters.

[@AppleBottomJ]

Body goals! This gives me so much motivation

[@jianingji267]

8:20 -Maddy: "you will lose friends playing it" -And also : "That's fun I like that" *LMAO*

[@Exitstarr]

She’s such an inspiration 💞

[@hannahdelafuente5673]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN

[@tonyallen3138]

That was an awesome interview, keep it moving Maddy.

[@MiaLita]

I am still fighting with my eating Disorder and depression too.. she's truly motivate me..

[@cheechkatofthevalley]

it's a long battle but i believe in you!

[@BlackyberriE]

I've just discovered powerlifting and I really wanna try get into it. Since doing weightraining my perception about what perfect body has already changed a lot but I became quite stressful about losing body fat. I gain satisfaction from being able to do squat and deadlift and this sort might just be for me 😁

[@CrossFitDelVal]

Great video. Love your openness to talk about your life. I'll be playing this for my soon-to-be teenage daughter!

[@italianview]

Love this girl such a beautiful soul

[@temin7152]

This really showed her personality 💪🏾

[@C13Davel]

Beautiful inside and out.

[@humansnotai4912]

Just amazing Maddy. If you watch The Office, watch the original UK show with Ricky Gervais, it's brilliant. Namsate x

[@frayedendz1]

you found your thing! That rocks...and it still stands true STRENGTH IS NEVER A WEAKNESS

[@RosieAngell]

She is such an inspiration for me!!

[@luasmartinez1262]

Beautiful...inside attitude and out as well.

[@MrMaxBoivin]

She's into lifting, boardgames and shooting... sign me in!

[@poppmechanical]

You are awesome! Keep lifting!

[@adamnicholson3175]

So much pretty and strong put together. Im impressed

[@babycake2941]

Pay your cameraman double. He’s the real hero here

[@robertsmith6068]

impressive and best of luck to you and all of the lifters out there.

[@barbonusbar82]

The old intro music is back!

[@chinhxu167]

Does anyone know the name of this song?

[@thku4grace]

"Beat but feeling good after a hard workout." That's what are known as endorphins and I lived for that feeling for a long time. Best path to getting good at something is a natural good feeling after a hard job done to completion.

[@ZakkiLowe]

Maddy is a total badass.

[@bobbim5159]

Thank you! This was inspiring

[@icansurviveuniversity.imra1405]

running, kickboxing and lifting weights helped me overcome anorexia nervosa

[@JuanTorres-bh7hh]

Wieght lifting help me stay away for drugs being a ex 1 percent biker

[@emilysahlen9164]

It’s helped me overcome mine.

[@herculesinwyoming]

Rock on MADDY.

[@darthvader4867]

I’ve never done a low bar squat. I just realized that.

[@robertbaindourov134]

Same Darthy.

[@milessharman8518]

I dont do powerlifting but I workout to build muscle and strength wich has helped me get over an eating dissorder

[@bebop504]

She seems like a nice and humble lady.

[@kencarey3477]

Your squat form is impeccable

[@starjulinefrancis-content6595]

I commend your strength i have delt with addiction and depression and im now just getting into working out at home no equipment. But i just am attracted to this for a some reason

[@ivanthebeatle]

I love you Maddy!