Want to be unstoppable? Do this

If you want a better handle on stress, a better outlook on life, or you just want to feel like a total b-a-d-a-s-s, I can't recommend strength-training highly enough. Here are five emotional benefits of lifting heavy things on a regular basis:

(1) Better outlook

Strength-training forces you to focus. Example: You can't be thinking about the state of the world when you're on your back, hoisting a heavy barbell overhead. But when you finish, all your cares will look different and more manageable. You'll also see more clearly which problems are yours to solve and which ones are not.

(2) Better posture

Granted, this is a physical benefit. But when your posture is strong (think seated rows, glute bridges and rowing – all exercises that help you get stronger and sit up taller), you naturally look better and feel better. Double win.

(3) Comfort in grief and loss

When grief and loss leave you too sad to speak, strength-training can help you channel your sorrow into something empowering and life-giving. I have experienced this transformation several times – it's almost cathartic. Leg press, anyone?

(4) More hope for the future

My father once told me, "Set yourself up for success."

Though my dad's not exactly turning cartwheels, the point is, strength-training is one of the surest ways to set yourself up for success in your later years: more mobility, less risk of falling and more independence.

For years, my doctor has been reminding me that strength-training also has cognitive benefits. Sign me up.

(5) Maximum joy

I've concluded that maximum joy is the whole point of this fledgling blog – clearly, it takes much more than strength-training to attain it. Still, to thrive both physically and emotionally, there simply is no substitute.

On a personal note ...

As a young girl growing up in the '70s, I was not exactly encouraged to strength-train. I remember the night my dad brought home a set of barbells that were clearly meant for my three older brothers. They stayed that way.

Even now, I'm hardly a bodybuilder. But I have strength-trained at least twice a week for most of my adult life. It helped me regain my confidence after cancer, and it helped me heal from the loss of my brother.

And earlier this afternoon, I had the privilege of sharing my latest gym success with my dear old dad, who just turned ninety-one.