How Strength Training Helps
The most well known benefits of strength training are the physical benefits. This type of exercise encourages hypertrophy. Which essentially means this helps build and/ or tone muscle depending on the amount of repetitions and frequency. If you go for high reps you will improve not only your muscular endurance, but it can also help your cardiovascular fitness too.
People are often shocked when they go from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one with strength training on how much better they feel mentally. To start off being more active makes you more tired so that really helps you sleep longer and sleep better, especially with strength training. This leads to having more energy throughout the day. Strength training can also help clear your mind because when you get into it and really challenge yourself you are only focusing on the task at hand.
Another underrated benefit of strength training is the social aspect. Although a gym is not needed, becoming a member of a gym is a great way to connect with other people. And since having a spotter is essential for some lifts this is a great way to have some fun with a couple of friends. Also with the progress you will make in the gym you will become more confident. "Look good, feel good", right? This can help some come out of their comfort zone and socialize more.
According to O'Connor, Herring, and Caravalho (2010), strength training is associated with lowering anxiety, pain intensity of the lower back, osteoarthritis, depression, improving heart health, and improving sleep!
Tada (2018) found that resistance (a.k.a strength) training can make the most biological changes in the brain that lead to overall better mental health.
Main Strength Training Exercises
Bench Press
This exercise is great for the upper body. This lift mainly hits the pectoralis major, anterior deltoids, and triceps.
Squat
A good few sets of squats will have your legs feeling like noodles. This is a great lift to that will show results throughout your entire body. This primarily hits quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
Deadlift
This compound lift will have your whole body sore, but you will feel so good after completing your sets. The deadlift primarily hits the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and latissums dorsi.
Pull Ups
Pull ups can definitely be a challenge for beginners but don't be discouraged! This exercise mainly hits the latissimus dorsi and biceps.
Research+ References
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Strengthen Your Mood With Weight Training
Give Your Heart Health A Lift
- Tada, Akio. (2018). Psychological effects of exercise on community-dwelling older adults. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 13, 271–276. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S152939
- O'Connor, Patrick J, Herring, Matthew P, & Caravalho, Amanda. (2010). Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training in Adults. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 4(5), 377–396. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827610368771
- Paluska S.A, & Schwenk T.L. (2000). Physical Activity and Mental Health: Current Concepts. Sports Medicine, 29(3), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200029030-00003