Wellness

Strength Training and Mental Health

Strength training and mental health – what does the evidence say?

By Coach Hunter Bennett

Strength training has been shown to have a host of benefits, including increased strength and function, reduced risk of disease and illness, and even greater independence in older life.

Importantly, it has also been shown to have mental health benefits too.

Strength training improves mood

Strength causes the release of multiple feel-good hormones that can create a sense of euphoria. This can help reduce feelings of stress and improve your mood for hours after training.

Strength training fights depression and anxiety

There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that strength training can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. With this in mind, it can offer a powerful addition to your mental health routine.

Strength training improves focus

Interestingly, research has shown that regular exercise can improve focus and lead to better memory retention. As such, strength training can have a direct ability on your ability to focus, learn, and create.

Strength training improves self-esteem

Lastly, regular strength training has been shown to increase feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Importantly, these improvements can occur without any associated changes in body composition, providing a clear demonstration it can improve how you feel about yourself even if it doesn’t change the way you look (so to speak).

How Much Is Enough?

You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to reap the mental health benefits of strength training.

Research has shown that you can observe substantial improvements in mental health with as little as two 45-minute sessions per week. As such, starting here would be a great option.

You always can always do more if you want to.