What are the physical and mental benefits of strength training?

Physical Benefits

According to (Dr. O’connor, MS, Herring and Caravalho, 2010), “Mental Health Benefits of Strength training in Adults” (p. 3). Strength training helps improve

 

  • Muscle strength and power

  • Bone density

  • Balance and a reduction in the number of injurious falls among older adults

  • Blood pressure and reduce insulin resistance in those suffering from diabetes

Mental Benefits

According to Professor Jalene,S. (2016), Exercise and Psychological Well-Being. Personal Collections of S. Jalene, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas NV. Strength training (anaerobic exercise) on mental health

 

  • Mood- enhancer when maximum heart rate is between 30-50%

  • Reduce state anxiety for up 24 hours postexercise

  • Both Aerobic and anaerobic exercise have antidepressant properties and helps with the reduction of depression.


Benefits to the Elderly

According to (Bredin, Nicol, and Warburton, 2006), “Health benefits of physical activity; the evidence” (p. 805) strength training is positively associated with

 

  • Independence

  • Glucose homeostasis (A fancy way of saying a healthy level of blood glucose)

  • Psychological well-being

  • Lower instances of illness and premature death

Something to Remember

  • If you do have severe depression, it’s okay go get help. Exercise does have many health benefits both physical and mental, but it does not have a cause and effect correlation on improved mental state.