How Does Resistance Training Affect Mental Health?
After an extensive literature review, O'Connor, Herring, and Carvalho (2010) found at least 8 benefits resistance training has on mental health:
Of the more than 70 studies examined, 94% showed that exercise was even more helpful in reducing fatigue than cognitive-behavioral therapy or drugs (Puetz, O’Connor, Dishman 2006).
This is important because those suffering from psychological illness are more likely than the general population to experience fatigue (Wesly et al., 1996). O’Connor and colleagues found that strength training alone did more to reduce fatigue than aerobic or mixed training.
Dalgas et. al (2010) examined the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue was measured pre-intervention (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS) and post. The exercise group experienced a greater reduction in fatigue compared to the control group and the results were sustained for 12 weeks post-trial.
A recent study estimates that 38% of U.S. workers experience symptoms of fatigue (Ricci, Chee, Lorandeau, Berger 2007). Strength training has the potential to help both those that struggle from chronic fatigue as a result of mental illness and those who experience temporary fatigue.
Think of all the hours of lost productivity on a personal and professional level this could save!
Self-esteem can be defined as how you feel about yourself at any given moment. Lots of us forget that one of the most important relationships we can have is with the self.
You can be your own best friend. Or, you can be your own worst enemy. Strength training helps you feel good about yourself.
Improved levels of self-esteem boost physical and mental health (Pressman, Cohen 2005).
Part of overall self-esteem is our relationships with others. Studies suggest it is easier to affect our relationships with others than it is our own self-esteem. Strength training that bolsters physical appearance can help anyone do this (Hausenblas, Fallon 2006).
Use resistance training to help boost your mental health today!
- Enhanced memory
- Enhanced executive control
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased self-esteem
- Better sleep
- Less fatigue
- Boosted cognition
- May decrease depression
Resistance training and fatigue.
Fatigue can be defined as a feeling of being overtired and overworked. Temporary fatigue usually lasts for a short time period. Treatment may be as simple as more rest. Chronic fatigue isn’t relieved with even normal resting periods.Of the more than 70 studies examined, 94% showed that exercise was even more helpful in reducing fatigue than cognitive-behavioral therapy or drugs (Puetz, O’Connor, Dishman 2006).
This is important because those suffering from psychological illness are more likely than the general population to experience fatigue (Wesly et al., 1996). O’Connor and colleagues found that strength training alone did more to reduce fatigue than aerobic or mixed training.
Dalgas et. al (2010) examined the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue was measured pre-intervention (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS) and post. The exercise group experienced a greater reduction in fatigue compared to the control group and the results were sustained for 12 weeks post-trial.
A recent study estimates that 38% of U.S. workers experience symptoms of fatigue (Ricci, Chee, Lorandeau, Berger 2007). Strength training has the potential to help both those that struggle from chronic fatigue as a result of mental illness and those who experience temporary fatigue.
Think of all the hours of lost productivity on a personal and professional level this could save!
Resistance training boosts self-esteem.
To me, this is a clear and obvious benefit from strength training. Improving muscular strength helps you feel great and look great at the same time. Two benefits in one.Self-esteem can be defined as how you feel about yourself at any given moment. Lots of us forget that one of the most important relationships we can have is with the self.
You can be your own best friend. Or, you can be your own worst enemy. Strength training helps you feel good about yourself.
Improved levels of self-esteem boost physical and mental health (Pressman, Cohen 2005).
Part of overall self-esteem is our relationships with others. Studies suggest it is easier to affect our relationships with others than it is our own self-esteem. Strength training that bolsters physical appearance can help anyone do this (Hausenblas, Fallon 2006).
Use resistance training to help boost your mental health today!
SOURCES
- O’Connor, P.J., Herring, M.P., & Caravalho, A. 2010. Mental health benefits of strength training in adults. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 4 (5), 377–96.
- Hausenblas HA, Fallon EA. Exercise and body image: a meta-analysis. Psychol Health. 2006;21:33-47.
- Pressman SD, Cohen S. Does positive affect influence health? Psychol Bull. 2005;131:925-971.
- Puetz TW, O’Connor PJ, Dishman RK. Effects of chronic exercise on feelings of energy and fatigue: a quantitative synthesis. Psychol Bull. 2006;132:866-876.
- Ricci, J. A., Chee, E., Lorandeau, A. L., & Berger, J. (2007). Fatigue in the US workforce: prevalence and implications for lost productive work time. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 49(1), 1-10.
- Wessely S, Chalder T, Hirsch S, Wallace P, Wright D. Psychological symptoms, somatic symptoms and psychiatric disorder in chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a prospective study in the primary care setting. Am J Psychiatry. 1996;153:1050-1059.
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