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Arnold Schwarzenegger has some advice for fan suffering from depression

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ALEX HALADA/AFP/Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger gave some sound advice to a fan suffering from depression.

The former California governor is very active on Reddit, where he often uses his account to post videos of his epic workout regime.

In one such video, he worked out with free weights. In it the caption he says: "f**k it, i break the rules. because that's what we do on Reddit...we break the rules, okay."

Under the video, one Redditer asked:

I know this is pandering but, I've been depressed for months and I haven't hit the gym during that time. 

Mr Schwarzenegger can you please tell me to get off my lazy ass and hit the gym? I sweat to everything i hold dear that I will snap out of it and go. 

However, rather than the JUST DO IT message the fan expected, the Terminator actor did something else.

He showed an incredible about of empathy.

Writing in response, the former governor said:

I'm not going to be that hard on you. Please don't be that hard on yourself. we all go through challenges, we all go through failure. Sometimes life is a workout. But the key thing is you get up. Just move a little. Roll out of bed and do some pushups or go for a walk. Just do something. One step at a time, I hope you feel better and get back to the gym. 

But don't beat yourself up, because that's just useless talk. It doesn't get you closer to the gym. And don't be afraid to ask for help. 

Good luck. 

Other Reddit users praised the 71-year-old for the insightful response:

"Thank you governor," one wrote.

Another added: "This whole thread has completely changed my day."

Later, Arnold even took the time to check back in with the person after they said they were going to follow his advise. He told them: "I'm proud of you, how did it go?"

A fan added:

The fact that you checked back in on this person makes you an amazing mentor to those who aspire to change the world the way you have. Thank you, Mr Schwarzenegger.

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