MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Depression, Drug Addiction And Suicide Abnormally High In Defence Veterans

Depression, Drug Addiction And Suicide Abnormally High In Defence Veterans

TV Host Andrew O'Keefe Opens Up About Battling His Demons

TV Host Andrew O'Keefe Opens Up About Battling His Demons

How To Help Someone You Love Who Battles Depression

How To Help Someone You Love Who Battles Depression

How To Tell If You're Lifting Too Light In The Gym

How To Tell If You're Lifting Too Light In The Gym

{headline}

{headline}

Guys Explain How They Found Their Therapists

Guys Explain How They Found Their Therapists

Male Mental Health: How To Tackle The Stigma Around Anxiety And Depression In Men

Male Mental Health: How To Tackle The Stigma Around Anxiety And Depression In Men

Guys Are Sharing How They've Helped Friends Deal With Depression

Guys Are Sharing How They've Helped Friends Deal With Depression

{headline}

{headline}

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

What To Say To Your Mate When He Has Depression

What To Say To Your Mate When He Has Depression

Postnatal Depression Affects Nearly As Many New Fathers As Mothers

Postnatal Depression Affects Nearly As Many New Fathers As Mothers

Underwater Strength Training Is Becoming A Big Thing, And We're Intrigued

Underwater Strength Training Is Becoming A Big Thing, And We're Intrigued

Study Finds Heart Disease And Depression Can Be Prevented By The Same Activity

Study Finds Heart Disease And Depression Can Be Prevented By The Same Activity

Could Your Dating Apps Be Making You Depressed?

Could Your Dating Apps Be Making You Depressed?

  1. Home
  2. Mental Health

Lift Some Weights To Lift Your Mood, Say Scientists

We prescribe a workout that scientists suggest will be effective in the fight against depression - by Scott Henderson
  • 15 May 2018
Lift Some Weights To Lift Your Mood, Say Scientists
Getty Images

The benefits of exercise on mental health have long been identified, documented, and validated, however the specifics have always been up in the air. ‘Exercise’ and ‘physical activity’ are very broad terms, and can be the subject of interpretation.

Well researchers from the University of Limerick in the United Kingdom have identified resistance training as the key to a more peaceful mind.

“Resistance exercise training significantly reduced depressive symptoms among adults regardless of health status, total prescribed volume of RET [resistance exercise training], or significant improvements in strength.”

The study of 1,877 individuals took particular note and measurements on feelings of worthlessness, low mood, and interest in the activity they were participating in.

“Interestingly, larger improvements were found among adults with depressive symptoms indicative of mild-to-moderate depression compared to adults without such scores, suggesting RET may be particularly effective for those with greater depressive symptoms,” suggested researcher Brett Gordon.

Whilst the study failed to provide evidence on the chemical reason behind the effectiveness of resistance training on mood, the results were enough for researchers to categorical recognize it’s benefits.

So how can you experience this boost in mood? Well the good news is you don’t have to hit the Olympic lifts immediately. Give the below circuit a good go, and let the good times roll.

Mood Boosting Dumbbell Complex

Complete 10 rounds of the following complex.
The complex should be completed without dropping the dumbbells (go light if you’re starting out).

10 x Hammer curl
10 x Front rack squat
10 x Push press
10 x Reverse lunge
10 x Tricep extension
2 minutes rest

  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Life
  • Strength Training
  • Workout
  • Mental Health
Scott Henderson
Scott Henderson
Scott is the Editor of Men's Health Australia, where he oversees all editorial content of the country's largest men’s magazine. As a fitness addict, adventure sport lover, and passionate story-teller, Henderson is committed to living the Men’s Health brand.

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Depression, Drug Addiction And Suicide Abnormally High In Defence Veterans

Depression, Drug Addiction And Suicide Abnormally High In Defence Veterans

TV Host Andrew O'Keefe Opens Up About Battling His Demons

TV Host Andrew O'Keefe Opens Up About Battling His Demons

How To Help Someone You Love Who Battles Depression

How To Help Someone You Love Who Battles Depression

How To Tell If You're Lifting Too Light In The Gym

How To Tell If You're Lifting Too Light In The Gym

{headline}

{headline}

Guys Explain How They Found Their Therapists

Guys Explain How They Found Their Therapists

Male Mental Health: How To Tackle The Stigma Around Anxiety And Depression In Men

Male Mental Health: How To Tackle The Stigma Around Anxiety And Depression In Men

Guys Are Sharing How They've Helped Friends Deal With Depression

Guys Are Sharing How They've Helped Friends Deal With Depression

{headline}

{headline}

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

What To Say To Your Mate When He Has Depression

What To Say To Your Mate When He Has Depression

Postnatal Depression Affects Nearly As Many New Fathers As Mothers

Postnatal Depression Affects Nearly As Many New Fathers As Mothers

Underwater Strength Training Is Becoming A Big Thing, And We're Intrigued

Underwater Strength Training Is Becoming A Big Thing, And We're Intrigued

Study Finds Heart Disease And Depression Can Be Prevented By The Same Activity

Study Finds Heart Disease And Depression Can Be Prevented By The Same Activity

Could Your Dating Apps Be Making You Depressed?

Could Your Dating Apps Be Making You Depressed?

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe to Digital
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe to Digital
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now