If you've seen a physio before, it's likely you've been prescribed some form of strength training, from banded work, to bodyweight exercises or even using weights. But strength training is beneficial for more than just rehabilitating an injury, and should ideally be incorporated into everyone's weekly routine well beyond the time an injury has healed.
Read below for some lesser known advantages of strength training, and advice on how to get started when it all seems a bit too intimidating!
1. Strength training has the potential to improve mental health
Strength training releases feel good chemicals in our brain, significantly benefitting mood, mental health and even acting as a protective factor against depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consistent strength training can also lower baseline levels of the stress hormone "cortisol", assisting in stabilising our mood and calming the nervous system.
2. Strength training has positive effects on brain health
As well as triggering the release of happy chemicals, muscle contractions signal the release of chemicals that support brain cell health and strengthen neural pathways in our brain, improving our memory, attention, and executive function. As well as this, strength training can help prevent shrinkage of certain brain areas, helping to protect against cognitive decline and diseases such as dementia.
3. Strength training can optimise your sleep
The flow-on effect of the previously mentioned brain and mental health improvements is better sleep quality and quantity. Not only does physically exerting yourself motivate your body to rest and recover at the end of the day, but the lowered stress hormones and improved mental clarity can reduce restlessness when trying to wind down for bed.
4. Strength training boosts your metabolism and energy
Strength training signals our muscles to grow larger and stronger, increasing our body's muscle mass. A higher muscle mass can increase our metabolism, which means food is converted to fuel faster, giving you more energy to keep active and alert all day. An increased metabolism has many other benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, a decreased risk of certain health conditions, and much more.
5. Strength training can skyrocket your confidence!
Incredible brain, body and health benefits aside, the feeling of getting stronger that strength training provides is truly unmatched. Whether it teaches you something new that your body can achieve, or pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone, strength training can be incredibly rewarding.
How to get started
It can be daunting to even know where to start when it comes to strength training, especially when there's so much information already out there!
At Physica Knoxfield, our physios are well-versed in strength training, and experienced in tailoring strength programs to anyone's level or goals. We can create and guide you through a strength program to carry out in your own time, or you can join one of our Physica Active group classes, where you'll be taken through a program specific to you and your goals by one of our physios.
Whether you're in Knoxfield, Wantirna South, Scoresby, Rowville or Ferntree Gully, we're right here in your neighbourhood! If you live or work nearby and you've been wanting to get stronger, we'd love to help you get started.
You don't need a GP referral to see one of our physios, and you can claim on the spot with HICAPS if you have private health cover with extras.
Book online or call us on 03 9764 9359 to make a time to see one of our physios and start your strength journey today!
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a health professional about your symptoms.
Written by Milly Kenny, Physiotherapist at Physica Knoxfield.
