Supported by Psy.D, Julie Brody Magid.

At 64, the 6-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates not only focuses on his physical strength through regular workouts but also prioritizes his mental health by adopting boxing.

On May 4, Yates posted a short clip on his Instagram showing him training with heavyweight kickboxer Benny Adegbuyi.

Revealing his mindset behind the session, Yates added in the caption, “I enjoy a challenge. A little clip of me doing some padwork with our DY Nutrition athlete, Benny.

It’s quite new to me; it’s something I’ve done now and then. I don’t care if I’m good or not at the start, because I know I can get better and learn. It’s another form of exercise, and it's good for the brain too, as it can create new pathways.

Too often, we get used to what we’re good at and become comfortable. I encourage you to embrace new challenges.”

Yates adopted boxing for his mental health, and experts also support his stance.

According to Julie Brody Magid, Psy.D, “the mental challenge of boxing is so stimulating - you have to pay close attention, maintain combos in mind and implement them, think very fast on your feet, coordinate various muscle groups, and maintain good form simultaneously.”

The British bodybuilder transformed his fitness approach in his 60s, moving away from the famous blood-and-guts approach. Currently, Yates prioritizes his flexibility, joint health, and recovery through Pilates and Yoga.

Not only in boxing, but Yates once opened up about the importance of working out for brain health.

Dorian Yates explains how exercise is vital for brain health

On October 10, 2023, the Instagram account of DY Nutrition shared a video featuring Yates discussing the importance of workouts for mental health.

He said, “When you go to the gym, you release chemicals in your brain that make you feel better. So, I think it’s an essential part of overall health. Physical and mental.

That’s why I’m a big advocate of any exercise that works for you and you like it. Of course, I’m a bodybuilder, that’s my background, but I think it’s important to get out there and do some kind of exercise.”

Yates' habit of boxing highlights that constantly challenging the mind and body with new activities helps maintain long-term brain health.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil