Hello! My name is Spencer Thornock, and I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I'm a Software Engineer by trade, but I've been involved in the fitness industry since 2000, when I worked at 24 Hour Fitness selling gym memberships and helping people understand the benefits of exercise and nutrition. I have extensive experience using fitness as a tool to support mental health—both through my own journey and those of many family members. In my mid-twenties, I was diagnosed with a severe mental “disorder” and placed on three heavy-duty medications. That experience gave me firsthand insight into how the mental health industry often takes a medication-first approach, with little emphasis on education, overall health, or well-being. During the year and a half I spent adjusting to these medications, I felt like a walking zombie. I gained 90 pounds and completely stopped taking care of myself. I fell into what felt like a deep depression—if such a thing were even possible under such heavy sedation. More accurately, it was a state of hopelessness and despair. One day, while journaling and trying to figure out how to move forward, I wrote a phrase that changed everything: “This diagnosis will not define who I am.” From that moment on, I became determined to take control of my mental health. I began by optimizing my circadian rhythm and sleep. I changed how I ate to help stabilize my blood sugar. I focused on getting physically stronger and found community through CrossFit and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I also incorporated practices like sauna, red light therapy, cold plunges, vagus nerve stimulation, and breath work to help regulate my nervous system. Through these efforts—and under the supervision of my psychiatrist—I was eventually able to taper off all medications. My disorder was officially declared in “remission.” Despite going through many stressful and difficult life events since, I’ve remained symptom-free and have successfully managed my mental health through lifestyle and wellness.