One of the main ways that resistance training can improve mental health is by releasing endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. When you engage in resistance training, your body produces endorphins, which can lead to euphoria and well-being. Additionally, resistance training can increase muscle mass, which can boost self-esteem and body image.
Another way that resistance training can improve mental health is through its impact on the HPA axis, which is a system in the body that regulates the stress response. Regular resistance training has been shown to reduce the activity of the HPA axis, which can decrease stress levels.
Research has also shown that resistance training can lead to an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a role in the growth and survival of nerve cells in the brain. This can help support the development of new neurons and improve cognitive function, which can positively impact mental health.
In summary, resistance training can improve mental health by releasing endorphins, improving mood, reducing stress levels, and promoting neurogenesis. Studies have been conducted to support these claims, and more research is ongoing.
One study found that older adults who engaged in regular strength training for six months improved their cognitive function by over 40%. It was found to be even more effective than traditional mental training.
Strength training, also known as resistance training or weightlifting, has been shown to positively impact cognitive function in older adults. In addition, regular strength training can help to slow down or even reverse the cognitive decline that occurs with aging.
One of the main ways that strength training can benefit cognitive function is through its impact on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein plays a role in the growth and survival of nerve cells in the brain. Studies have found that regular strength training can increase BDNF, which can help support the development of new neurons and improve cognitive function. This may help to delay or prevent age-related declines in cognitive function, such as memory loss, and improve the overall cognitive function in older adults.
Additionally, regular resistance training may also improve other cognitive functions, such as executive functions (like planning, working memory, and attention) and attention in older adults, also on some other aspects, such as processing speed, psychomotor speed, and reaction time.
Strength training has also been found to have beneficial effects on other factors contributing to cognitive decline in older adults, such as cardiovascular health and insulin resistance. By improving cardiovascular health and controlling blood sugar levels, strength training may help reduce the risk of conditions such as stroke, which can negatively impact cognitive function.
In summary, regular strength training can help to slow down or even reverse cognitive decline in older adults by promoting the growth of new neurons, improving mental functions such as memory, attention, and executive functions, and reducing the risk of conditions that can contribute to cognitive declines, like stroke.