Effects of Strength Training - 7

This effect of strength training is a little more warm-fuzzy.  We improve our sense of wellbeing when we lift.

A number of things go into this benefit.  One is that anything that gets our heart rates up tends to make us feel better (and if our heart rates don’t rise when we lift, we aren’t lifting enough!).  Another is that we increase our sense of efficacy.  Look!  I can lift a weight!  I am strong!  This sense of efficacy carries over into other areas of our lives.  Exercise generally releases endorphins in our bodies and those are the happy chemicals.  We like those.  Finally, over time as we lift, we look better and we improve our health, both of which tend to improve our sense of wellbeing.

 

So:  Lift and get happy!