Weight training is great for building muscle, but it can also positively impact how you feel about your body. Incorporating strength training exercises like weightlifting into your routine can boost your confidence and strength and raise your self-esteem.
As you get fitter, you might start to notice physical changes, like better posture and stronger muscles. After a while, you may also notice that you feel better in general and have a heightened sense of well-being.
Ahead we explore how weightlifting and other strength training exercises encourage positive body image. Before you start a weight training routine, make sure you have the right gear to support your workouts, including a pair of quality weightlifting grips.
There are lots of terms to describe the way we feel about our bodies, from “body satisfaction” to “body image.” While we don’t want to get too deep in the weeds about these terms, some definitions can be helpful.
Meanwhile, body appreciation refers to unconditional approval and respect for the body. Appreciating your body doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in love with everything about it, but rather that you respect your body for what it is and how it serves you.
Body image can be complicated. It’s often tied up with social pressures and the messages we receive from those around us, especially when we’re young. Thankfully, building positive body image is possible.
Strength training, also known as weight training, resistance training, or muscular training, is any kind of exercise that involves working your muscles against external weights or resistance. Lifting weights—whether with free weights or weight machines—is an example of strength training.
There are different types of strength training, from muscle-building exercises using moderate to heavy weights to circuit training, where you work the whole body while cycling through various exercises with little to no rest in between.
All types of strength training can help raise your self-esteem, confidence, and body image.
Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise and in the National Library of Medicine database has shown a link between strength training and body image in women of different ages. But lifting weights can be beneficial for adults of any age or gender. Here are some of the benefits of weightlifting, which in turn can help improve body image.
Strength training not only helps you burn calories but also helps you build muscle. And muscle burns more calories at rest, revving up your metabolism. When you feel more in control of your weight, that sense of empowerment can lead to a more positive body image. You might find yourself feeling more comfortable in your clothes and more confident in your physical appearance. Over time, these changes can help you develop a healthier relationship with your body.
As you progress in strength training, you’ll likely be able to increase your weight load over time. This can lead to a feeling of accomplishment. In fact, you may accomplish feats during strength training you never thought possible. Over time you’ll start to appreciate what your body can physically do rather than just how it looks.
Make sure you have a pair of quality weightlifting grips to support you through your progress.
Strength training triggers the release of endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals that can help lift your mood. When you’re in a better mood, you’re more likely to view yourself positively. Consistently working out can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, both of which can be linked to poor body image. By boosting your mood through exercise, you’re more likely to view yourself in a positive light.
Regular strength training can help boost your energy levels throughout the day, which in turn can help you be more productive. Feeling energized and physically capable can positively impact how you view your body. It might even help you stay motivated to work out consistently. All of this can translate to greater body satisfaction.
Strength training has been shown to improve the quality of your sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest. When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to feel good about yourself and your body. Quality sleep also aids in muscle recovery and growth by releasing hormones that stimulate the production of new muscle fibers. By getting enough sleep, you’ll start to literally see the results of your hard work in the gym.
Lifting weights is a great way to start building positive body image. Investing in the right gear can help you maximize your workouts for even better results. Versa Gripps are designed to help get a better hold of the bar, whether you’re exercising with free weights or weight machines.
Designed with custom-engineered non-slip material and built-in arch support, Versa Gripps help you train safely. And their unique design makes it easy to switch between pushing moves (like bench presses) and pulling moves (like bent-over rows) without stopping to change gear.
Versa Gripps come in a variety of options for men and women. Find your perfect pair of Versa Gripps, and train better.
