A Massive Study Just Made the Case for Strength Training and Mental Health

Heavy Lifting: Exercise has long been linked to better mental health. But a large-scale study is adding specificity to that picture — and the finding may have us gripping tighter to strength regimens.

The Study: Researchers used a genetic analysis method called Mendelian randomization to look at data from more than 341,000 adults ages 37 to 73 in the UK Biobank database. They examined genetic variants tied to cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength, then cross-referenced those with hospital records and depression questionnaires. They found that for every 0.1 kg increase in grip strength relative to body weight, participants were 14% less likely to have depression — particularly so for women. And surprisingly, there was no significant link between higher cardio fitness and lower risk of depression.

The Takeaway: If you run or cycle for your mental health, this research suggests adding resistance training could offer another layer of protection. Especially if you’re a woman.

Keep in Mind: Though this genetic analysis is stronger than an observational study, it still can’t prove that building muscle prevents depression as there are likely outside factors at play. But with 341,000+ participants, the findings are hard to ignore.