“The tool is power lifting… I can go to the gym and I can use anger, whatever anger I have, and take it out on the weight.”— Michael Bandler
The “gains” that you can achieve in the gym go far beyond simply having bigger biceps or the ability to carry all of your groceries inside in just one trip. For many people, lifting weights is a powerful way to improve not only their physical strength, but also their mental health… allowing them to become stronger people, both inside and out.
This episode of the Living Jewishly Podcasts is an installment of What’s in Your Toolbox?, a monthly podcast about mental health — and the creative strategies people develop to live the very best lives they can.
In this episode, Bobby K speaks with Special Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Bandler about the healthy and constructive ways he deals with anger, his dedication to the sport of powerlifting, and how his passion took him all the way to the top.
Remember: even world champions who can deadlift 500 lbs. may struggle with their mental health… and, just like the rest of us, they carry ‘toolboxes’ to help them persevere.
“The reason that I love to cook is because… it occupies my mind, because you’ve got to measure, you’ve got to cut, you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to do that.”— Bobby K
This episode discusses:
- How Michael channels his negative emotions into fuel for improving his physique
- The importance of persistence and patience in following your passions
- How travelling and performing with the Famous PEOPLE Players helped Michael find himself
Highlights:
00:50 Intro
02:27 Michael Bandler
04:19 Power lifting
05:16 Michael’s journey to the gold medal
06:39 Michael’s gold medal performance
07:17 Perseverance, patience & form
08:15 Did he expect to be a champion?
09:28 Snowboarding
11:29 Cooking
13:00 Family & Famous PEOPLE Players
14:38 Support systems
16:30 Michael’s advice
Links:
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Shalom!
We’re very proud of Michael…..and he is so right. He has many tools in his toolbox and has a terrific support system. Michael has accomplished a great deal in his 34 years and watching him perform at Famous People Players, cook on the cooking show with Community Living or watching him achieve those gold medals in Abu Dhabi! Extraordinary…we were so proud, it brought tears to our eyes! We know there is more that Michael will accomplish in years to come, and will continue to have that support system. Good luck in all you do, MKB! Love you! Amma
Another amazing show…such practical tips for us all.