We tend to talk about our minds and our bodies as if they’re two separate entities – a little like the figurative distinction we place between decisions we make with our heads, and those guided by our hearts.
As with most things in life, the reality is a lot less binary than this, and so hitting the gym to build and maintain muscle mass is more than just a means of looking good. Stick around as we go through the links between bodily robustness and mental fortitude
Strength Training and the Mental Edge
It’s well-documented that exercise, and in particular strength training, has profound effects on our mental health. Here are some specific examples of this symbiotic relationship:
Stress Reduction
Engaging in regular strength training regulates stress hormones, such as cortisol. One survey found a 33% reduction in anxiety symptoms among adults who maintained regular exercise, while 43% of people say that stress management is one of the main reasons that they work out.
We’re also in an era where mental health positivity is widespread across the strength training and weight lifting scene. A New York Times article outlines how changes have taken place in this space in recent years, making it far more inclusive and supportive than in the past.
Cognitive Clarity
Each session of weightlifting enhances blood flow to the brain, which contributes to better cognitive function over time. So, if you’re looking to enhance your success in professional and personal spheres by sharpening your mind and having clarity of purpose, working on your body makes a positive impact.
Neuroplasticity Boost
Exercise stimulates the production of neurotrophic factors, leading to improved brain plasticity, which in turn provides the promise of better memory and learning capabilities.
But while these gains are significant, they balance on a knife-edge; for instance, you might wonder how fast do you lose muscle mass when not engaged in physical activity.
Research suggests that muscle atrophy can begin within two weeks of inactivity – with some people seeing this drop by 30%. This makes a consistent workout regimen the cornerstone of physical and mental resilience.
Resilience in Body and Mind
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth saying nevertheless that the stronger you are physically, the more robust you become in the face of psychological challenges.
Here’s how physical strength translates to mental resilience:
Enhanced Mood
Even as little as 15 minutes of exercise daily can keep depression at bay. Strength training is especially good at releasing endorphins, often known as ‘feel-good’ hormones, giving it even more of an edge as a means of maintaining a positive mood and outlook.
Improved Self-Esteem
As physical capabilities increase, so does self-confidence. Achieving lifting goals or setting new personal bests in the gym can lead to significant boosts in self-esteem – and it’s particularly impactful for younger people who are struggling with how they see themselves and where they fit in with society.
Fighting Fatigue
Stronger people tend not only to have greater endurance against physical strain but also against mental weariness.
Building muscle helps your body better manage energy and fatigue levels – and that’s relevant whether you’re dealing with a deluge of household chores, a busy work schedule where productivity is paramount, or the strain that’s placed on you if you are pursuing your entrepreneurial goals.
Final Thoughts
The last thing to mention is that you don’t need to become a bodybuilder to have a sturdy and stable mental state-it’s just a case of including strength training alongside cardio-focused exercise to give your body a well-rounded workout and to do this regularly rather than sporadically.
