Joe Rogan opens up on mental health struggles after skipping three days of working out

UFC veteran commentator Joe Rogan opens up about his mental health after skipping workout for a few days in a row.

Joe Rogan opens up on mental health struggles after skipping three days of working out

Joe Rogan talks about his condition after skipping a workout (via Imago)

Joe Rogan has been in the MMA business as a commentator for more than 20 years. Before that, he was a trained mixed martial artist, and even now he has maintained the same discipline. Rogan likes to workout as frequently as possible, but there is a downside to his obsession over health and fitness.

At the age of 57, Rogan has an incredible physique which comes from being consistent in the gym. Though he has openly talked about using TRT, it still needs hard work to maintain that muscle mass. In a recent podcast, Rogan shared facing mental health issues after skipping gym regularly. 

If I take like three days off. I’ll start getting depressed. I will start feeling anxious. I will start feeling weird….and then I’ll have one good hard workout and then I’m like everything’s fine. 

Joe Rogan via JRE #2285
YouTube video

During his prime years, Rogan used to do a lot of weights and kickboxing training, but things have changed with age. His current workout routine includes weightlifting, kettlebells, yoga, and cardio. He follows a split routine with resistance training four days a week, incorporating compound lifts and functional movements. 

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Rogan also practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai as he believes they are incredible for self defense. He is also a promoter for sauna and cold plunge sessions for recovery. Rogan’s diet consists of red meat from elk, preferably hunted by him and various vitamin tablets. He has often talked about training as a great escape from depression, which is very common. 

Former heavyweight boxing champion and Joe Rogan discusses depression 

Depression is extremely common all around the world, and there are several reasons for people to get affected by it. Other than normal people, many top athletes also suffer from it, which ultimately ruins their lives. One of the most popular cases was of the heavyweight legend Tyson Fury after he won his first title.

Tyson Fury suffered from severe depression back in 2015
Tyson Fury suffered from severe depression back in 2015 (via Sky Sports)

Back in 2015, the ‘Gypsy King’ fell into deep depression, and even developed a habit of substance abuse. In his lowest moment, the boxer wanted to take his life by driving his car off a bridge but stopped. During his podcast with Joe Rogan, Fury shared everything in detail.

I hit the drink heavily on a daily basis, I hit the drugs. I was up all night, partying with women overnight and not coming home. I didn’t care about boxing, I didn’t care about living. I just wanted to die. I was going to have a good time doing it while I was doing it.

Tyson Fury via JRE MMA Show #47
YouTube video

Fury eventually made a spectacular comeback, returning to boxing in 2018 and reclaiming the heavyweight championship in 2020. He later became one of the biggest showmen in the history of the sport. His rivalry with Deontay Wilder gained a notoriety many boxing fans. 

The British fighter didn’t shy away from being vulnerable and sharing his episodes of depression to the world. He was able to spread awareness about depression by advocating mental health support, and emphasizing fitness, faith, and purpose. Rogan has also done this for years using his platform to talk about mental health extensively.

Prime example of a UFC fighter getting depressed like Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan has always believed that depression is complex, and often influenced by the individual’s lifestyle. While he has acknowledged clinical depression exists, he emphasizes exercise, diet, sunlight, and other methods to fight it. He has also been critical of over prescribed antidepressants and encourages personal responsibility. Due to his profession, he has seen many fighters going through the same turmoil.

Joe Rogan interviewing Alexander Volkanovski
Joe Rogan interviewing Alexander Volkanovski (via UFC)

In the MMA world, fans have also seen fighters suffering from mental health. Recently, it was the former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski who opened up about his situation. The Australian fighter mentioned that his life without fighting and training didn’t make him satisfied. It also resulted in him taking an ill-advised short-notice fight at UFC 294, forever scarring his legacy.

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