We are all familiar with the effects of regular exercise on physical health. But what about its impact on people’s mental state?
Science has proven there is a direct link between physical activity and mental health. And there is a strong emphasis on the importance of weightlifting.
Namely, resistance training is shown to lower anxiety and depression. Plus it improves self-esteem, as well as the overall cognitive functions.
I believe that learning about all the benefits of weightlifting for mental clarity can motivate you to want to boost your well-being. And so I’m here to explain the many ways that weightlifting can improve your mental clarity.
As you might know I’m a bestselling wellness author and research geek who loves to share tools about how to live longer, while maintaining good health and clarity of mind.
I share many health-boosting techniques inside my book “Life is Long.”
In this article today I will be sharing all about sculpting your body and your mind with the many benefits of weight lifting.
Strength training is an amazing way to boost your brain and prevent memory loss and other types of cognitive decline. Including weightlifting in your workout routine can make you feel much more mentally engaged. And this is a great thing to keep in mind during the days when you’re struggling to find the motivation to work out.
Research shows that a minimum of 70 minutes of strength training per week improves cognitive abilities when it comes to older individuals.
According to the latest scientific evidence, weightlifting and other kinds of exercise can …
Some people approach exercise with a wrong mindset and they see it as a way to compensate for poor eating habits, or as a method that can help them force their bodies into a particular shape. Focusing solely on appearance leads to an unhealthy relationship with one’s body.
On the other hand, if your workout routine is centered on building strength, you will pay more attention to all the amazing capabilities of your body instead of its silhouette. If you nurture your body and improve its performance with strategic weightlifting, you will establish a positive self-concept and a healthier attitude toward your physique.
Low, or in any other way improper hormone levels are usually directly linked with the lack of physical activity. This is particularly damaging when it comes to the development of teenagers and young adults. How to combat the issue? You could explore hormone intake with the help of medication that comes with a set of negative side effects.
On the contrary, weightlifting is now a proven regulator of hormones such as dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and noradrenaline (NE). Dopamine and serotonin are the two main hormones that regulate mood and emotions. Noradrenaline, on the other hand, increases attention and alertness which makes the body feel fully awake.
Cortisol is a stress hormone related directly to the autonomic nervous system. As opposed to the hormones whose high levels are beneficial, it should be kept under control. Not only that cortisol increase stress, but when it’s chronically high, it can also lead to high blood pressure, higher blood sugar, more body fat, anxiety, and loss of calcium from the bones.
Luckily for all weight-lifters, strength training reduces cortisol levels, and the effect is especially notable among individuals with PTSD. However, make sure you follow a smart training program. Because if you max your lifts every time, you will achieve the opposite.
Lack of discipline and motivation are common symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and even ADHD. People who are affected by such states often complain about feeling tired all the time, forgetting to perform daily tasks, being unable to stick to their goals, and much more.
Engaging in physical activity raises energy levels in a natural way through brain activation and increased heart rate. Individuals who create a solid workout schedule and stick to it enjoy the benefits of sticking to short-term goals, which helps them maintain discipline in all aspects of life.
Weightlifting in particular is a great source of motivation since the results are quantifiable, which simplifies the process of setting both short-term and long-term goals.
Regular weightlifting improves all aspects of sleep, but the greatest benefits lie in sleep quality. The effect of exercise on sleep can be attributed to the reductions in blood pressure and body fat, as well as lowered cortisol levels.
Furthermore, having a healthy outlet for all the daily life stress makes us sleep better. When we sleep better, we are capable of handling stressful situations more efficiently. On the contrary, lack of sleep and its poor quality cause fatigue, irritability, and various mood problems.
Regardless of your age, gender, or physical readiness, strength training is something you can surely benefit from, and not only in terms of physique. Weightlifting improves mental well-being in several ways, and now that you know all about it, you can start making plans for a much healthier future.
Learn to control unhealthy eating habits in my online program, “The Stop Emotional Eating Course.”
The goal of my course: To put you in control of your eating habits – to help you to master your cravings.
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