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Oct 13 • Physical Health 💪
🏋️♀️ Strength Training: Good for the Body and the Mind 🧠💪
Today was a sweaty (and FUN!) day in terms of exercise and it got me thinking about my journey back into (consistent) fitness. I was SUPER active in high school and then kind of fell off the consistency wagon after that. I had a few seasons of more activity, but 3 or 4 years ago I was watching the Olympics and told myself....I'm going to do that one day. I've been telling myself this every time I watched the olympics, but something really clicked the last time I watched them😂 It was (and is) kind of silly and a lot delusional, but me saying this out loud over and over allowed me to be more active and more intentional with exercise. I don't actually think that I'll be in the olympics BUT maybe I'll be in the senior olympics one day---one can dream. Aaaanyways, all that to say, that that was the beginning of my strength training journey as an adult!
Strength training isn’t just for athletes or gym lovers — it’s one of the most powerful ways to support physical and mental wellbeing at any age. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing bodyweight movements, or using resistance bands, you’re teaching your body to move with purpose, balance, and resilience. You're also becoming more attuned with your body! an opportunity to zone in. (In the past, people engaged in more physical type of work (natural strength training)..now we have to choose to engage in strength training intentionally).
💪 The Pros of Strength Training
-Improves muscle tone and strength: Helps with everyday movements like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or carrying kids. (We want to be functional!)
-Boosts metabolism: Muscle tissue burns more energy, even when you’re resting.
-Protects bones: Resistance training signals your body to build stronger bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. (as a woman, with iron and calcium deficits, I'll take any help that i can get, lol)
-Supports mood and focus: Exercise releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and can improve overall mental clarity. (love starting the day off like this!)
-Improves posture and stability: Strengthening the core and back muscles helps with balance and reduces injury risk.
⚖️ The Cons (or things to be mindful of)
-It’s easy to overdo it at first. Starting too heavy or skipping rest can cause fatigue or strain.
-Without proper form, injuries can happen — learning technique matters more than lifting big numbers (I was humbled REAL fast in this area!)
-Progress takes time. Muscle growth and endurance build slowly, so patience is key. (I actually think that this is a pro though...some good things really do take time)
🧠 Who Is It For?
Strength training can be adapted for all bodies, ages, and fitness levels. Whether you’re 20 or 70+, your body benefits from resistance work. It’s not about appearance, it’s about function — moving better, feeling stronger, and supporting long-term health.
💪🧠Why Our Bodies and Minds Benefit So Much
-Our bodies are designed for movement and resistance. When we challenge our muscles, we create tiny micro-tears that heal stronger than before. This process strengthens not only muscle fibers but also bones, joints, and connective tissue.
-Regular strength training also improves blood flow, supports hormone balance, and enhances overall energy levels. I can attest to most of these. If I'd just get better sleep, I'd be invincible. Well, not really, but it would be an improvement!
-On a psychological level, strength training teaches self-efficacy — that sense of I can do hard things. It builds confidence that often extends far beyond the gym.
-Increases focus and presence: Strength training forces you to stay in the moment, connecting breath, movement, and awareness.
-Supports trauma recovery: Structured physical movement can help reconnect the mind and body after periods of stress or dissociation.
Strength training isn’t about perfection, competition, or body image (though some people make it about this and stay in this state). It’s about building a relationship with your body that feels empowering, grounded, and sustainable. Start small, move with intention, and celebrate strength in all its forms.
(the video below does a great job in explaining the impact of exercise on brain health! It's 10 minutes but it's good!--I may add this video in another post later on)
Do you strength train or want to start? 💬 What’s your biggest motivation (or barrier)?
Do you have any dreams that may seem out of reach (whether that's exercise related or otherwise?)
Yes, I strength train
No, I do not strength train
No, but I'd like to start strength training
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🏋️♀️ Strength Training: Good for the Body and the Mind 🧠💪
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