Lift Weights to Lift Your Mood

You’ve likely heard about the positive impact that heart-pumping activities like running can have on your mood – but what about weight training? Despite being anaerobic, researchers have found that the benefits may even exceed other types of exercise. 

In one small study, 80 percent of older adults with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after a 10-week resistance training program. And depressed adults who participated in a high-intensity resistance training program reduced their symptoms by 50 percent, according to another study. 

"When you challenge yourself and push yourself, it's really hard not to feel pride when you're done, and pride is the opposite of that depressive, powerless feeling," Kelly Coffey, a personal trainer in Northampton, MA, told U.S. News & World Report. Coffey began lifting weights about 12 years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with depression. 

Weightlifting is a great way to rebuild your self-esteem and turn depressive thoughts like “I can’t” or “I’m worthless” into positive sentiments like “I can” and “I’m strong.” Taking up weightlifting can also help with body image issues, experts say. 

More Benefits of Weight Lifting

• You’ll get better sleep. There’s nothing like a good sweat session to lull you into solid slumber. In fact, researchers found that people who pushed themselves at the gym were more likely to sleep through the night.
• You’ll help your metabolism. Weight lifting will help you burn calories while you’re working out and long after you leave the gym. This process is called “physiologic homework." 
• You’ll be motivated to reach goals. Tracking your progress – how much you’ve increased your reps or weight, for instance – can give you the positive momentum you need to excel and grow in other areas of your life. 

And remember: Before you begin incorporating strength training into your recovery routine, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider first! 

Finding Fitness Motivation
The best form of fitness during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.