Seasonal affective disorder or SAD impacts about 10 million Americans every year.

You’re sluggish, you have no energy, you’re always sleeping. You may also find yourself eating comfort foods like chips and sweets more often. 

A combination of all of those things can lead you into months of depression and feeling sad, all the time.

One way to ease SAD is by exercising. However, what happens if you can’t find your motivation?

You have to find your why, explained personal trainer and life coach Carl Morris of Victoria Fitness in Menands.

“When you workout, pretty much you put your body in distress, and you know, from there, you release chemicals,” Morris said. “From that point on, you get a boost of energy.”

Those chemicals are endorphins. Endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your mood. It gives you a feeling of happiness and accomplishment.

Morris has been exercising for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been working out since I was a baby, pretty much,” said Morris. “I was rolling, tumbling.”

He’s even had a moment when he lost motivation, that’s when he had to find his “why.”

“My why is pretty much my mother, my mother got sick,” Morris explained. “She had a brain aneurysm, and after that I just started taking my health serious.”

Tyler Victoria, another personal trainer at Victoria Fitness, said his “why” is all about him. When he looks good, he feels good.

“When you’re working on yourself, just focused on yourself, that’s one of the best things you can do,” Victoria said.

“If I’m not in the gym consistently, I feel down, my mood is down,” said Victoria. “Soon as I come in here, I feel like I accomplished the day.”

Victoria Fitness is Tyler’s family business, he said it was opened to create a safe space for people – especially those who need help staying motivated.

“We just wanted to build a community where everybody can come in, feel comfortable, feel special.” 

If you’re having a hard time finding your “why”, especially if you’re feeling the winter blues, Morris and Victoria said they are here to help.

“If you can’t find the motivation for yourself that’s what we’re here for, we’re here to give you that extra push,” Victoria said.

Victoria Fitness is located at 444 Broadway Menands, NY 12204. Everyone is welcome.