This probably has to be my favourite blog to date!
Often we align exercise, training, or lifting heavy objects with all the disadvantages that come with it.
Such as;
- It’s really hard.
- It takes time.
- My body is sore during and after it.
- I’m in pain mentally and physically, etc.
However, it’s not often we align training and lifting weights with all the benefits that come with.
Without talking about all the physical benefits that you are probably already aware of that come with lifting weight and exercising.
I want to dive in the deep end, and show you all the beneficial adaptations that your psyche goes through when exercising.
Just note that these next few points I have either witnessed or experienced personally, and I’ve done a substantial amount of research to work out what is really going on.
In saying this, you might have a different outlook or experience.
I’m just explaining what has worked really well for me and some people around me.
Lifting weights and exercising eases the feelings of depression and anxiety.
When you exercise or lift weights, your body releases chemicals called Endorphins.
Some of you may have heard of this term, and some of you may not have.
However, endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that have shown to reduce your perception of pain.
This is seen to trigger a “positive” feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.
The release of these hormones have been explained by many as “Euphoric.”
As we spoke about just before, these receptors align with the part of the brain that can reduce the perception of pain.
They also act as sedatives.
They are manufactured in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of the body and are released in response to the brain’s neurotransmitters.
The neuron receptors that endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain relief medicines.
However, unlike morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body’s endorphins hasn’t been seen to lead to addiction or dependency.
To follow on and explain just what this endorphin release can do for our mental health…
It’s been claimed as “proven” to;
- Reduce stress
- Improve sleep quality
- Boost self esteem, and more.
Whether you believe in it or not, that’s a different matter.
I’m just showing you what the science is saying.
I guess what it really comes down to is trialling it and seeing how you feel!