How Strength Training Helped My Anxiety

...and why it might help yours too.

For most of my life, I thought of exercise as a “should.” I should work out more. I should go to the gym. I should try to look a certain way.

But nothing ever stuck—until I found strength training with Coach Vicki at TriFitness/The Athlete Lab. Not because it finally gave me visible results (though it did), but because it gave me something I didn’t expect:

Peace of mind.

Like many people, I’ve lived with anxiety for years. Sometimes it’s just background noise. Other times, it’s a full-blown mental storm—racing thoughts, tight chest, constant restlessness.

Therapy helped. So did journaling, sleep, and cutting back on caffeine. But strength training? That was a game-changer.

How Lifting Weights Calmed My Mind

Here’s why I think strength training helped me manage my anxiety:

1. It forces you to be present.

When you’re holding a barbell over your chest or trying to stabilize in a squat, there’s no room for spiraling thoughts. You have to focus. It’s like meditation, but louder—and heavier.

2. It gave me a sense of control.

Anxiety often feels like everything is happening to you. But lifting? That’s something you do. You set the weight. You move it. You get stronger. Progress is measurable, and even small wins feel like big victories.

3. It taught me to breathe.

In between reps, you have to reset your breath. I started noticing that the deep, controlled breathing I practiced at the gym carried over into my day—especially during moments when I felt anxious.

4. It built confidence.

Strength training changed how I saw myself. Not just physically, but mentally. I realized that if I could press more than my body weight, I could handle an overwhelming email inbox or a hard conversation.

It Wasn’t a Magic Fix—But It Was a Missing Piece

Let’s be real: strength training didn’t erase my anxiety.But it helps me manage it—physically, mentally, emotionally. It has given me tools, confidence, and a place to reset.

Want to Try It?

You don’t need to lift heavy right away. Start small. Learn the basics. Book a personal training session or a RIP class. And most importantly—be kind to yourself through the process.

If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety and hasn’t yet explored strength training, this might be your sign to try. You might be surprised by how much it helps.

Need help getting started? Reach out—we’ll connect you with beginner-friendly coaching and support to make strength training accessible, safe, and even fun.