Strength Training & Stress Awareness

Several years ago, Marshawn Lynch (now a retired NFL player) famously said, "So start taking care y’all mentals, y’all bodies and y’all chicken. And when y’all ready to walk away, you walk away and be able to do what you want to do.” His message resonates even stronger in our society today with the increased awareness of mental health.

Strength training, or resistance training, has long been associated with building muscle mass, increasing physical strength, and improving overall fitness levels. However, strength training can also have a significant impact on mental health, particularly in reducing stress and increasing stress awareness. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of strength training towards stress awareness.

1. Release of Endorphins: Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that reduce pain and stress while inducing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Strength training has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, which can lead to a reduction in stress levels.

2. Improvement in Sleep Quality: Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating stress levels. Poor sleep quality can lead to increased stress levels, and vice versa. Strength training has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can reduce stress levels and improve stress awareness.

3. Reduction in Anxiety and Depression: Strength training has been found to be an effective tool in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regular strength training sessions can help to release tension and stress, and increase self-confidence and self-esteem, all of which contribute to reducing stress levels.

4. Increase in Self-Efficacy: Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to accomplish a specific task or goal. Strength training can help to increase self-efficacy by providing a sense of accomplishment and progress. This can lead to a reduction in stress levels as individuals feel more confident in their ability to manage and cope with stress.

5. Improvement in Cognitive Function: Strength training has been found to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. This can lead to an increase in stress awareness as individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to stressors.

6. Positive Impact on Physical Health: Regular strength training has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Improving physical health can have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing stress levels.

Incorporating regular strength training sessions into your routine can help to release tension, increase self-confidence, and improve cognitive function, all of which contribute to reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.