Will Lifting Weights Improve Your Mental Health?

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I think it’s pretty common knowledge that exercise is good for your mental health. However, for some reason, weightlifting doesn’t seem to get the same respect. Most people view weightlifters as dumb, stiff, and vain. And don’t really consider that hitting the bench press might be good for your mind too.

Runner’s high is a commonly used phrase. Weight lifter’s high isn’t.

But, science says that lifting weights isn’t just an exercise in vanity.

• One research review examined 127 different studies and found that a LOT of different exercise types can lead to improved psychological health. (1)

• Another study examined 1200 males and their anxiousness, and found that they were less anxious after 16 weeks (and they only trained twice per week). (2)

• A group of researchers found that strength training improved the way women from the ages of 21 to 44 had a better perception of themselves after 12 weeks. (3)

• A meta-analysis of 16 papers that included over 900 subjects found that weightlifting significantly improved anxiety. This was regardless of whether the participants were male or female. (4)

• Not only is the positive impact on depression and anxiety seen regardless of gender, it’s seen regardless of age. One study examined women ages 60-76. They were given a 12-week resistance training program. At the end of their training program, the women saw reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. (5)

So to answer the question in the title of this email, yes, lifting weights will improve your mental health. So if you haven’t already, time to start hitting the weights!

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References:

• Physical exercise and psychological well being: a critical review. (1)

• Effect of Weight Training on Self-Concept: A Profile of those Influenced Most. (2)

• The Effects of a Strength Training Program on the Strength and Self-Concept of Two Female Age Groups. (3)

• The Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (4)

• Resistance training reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms in older women: a pilot study. (5)