A recent study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, examined how different types of fitness affect mental health. The researchers found that genetic predispositions toward stronger muscles were linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing depression. Interestingly, the same link was not observed for cardiorespiratory fitness, which includes activities like running, cycling, or swimming.

Experts emphasize that this doesn’t mean cardio should be skipped—it still provides numerous health advantages—but it does highlight the unique role of strength training in mental well-being.

The Study at a Glance

Freepik | fxquadro | Researchers found that greater muscle strength links to a lower risk of depression in adults.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 341,000 adults, aged 37 to 73, participating in the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database. Using a method called Mendelian randomization, they investigated whether natural genetic differences tied to muscle strength and fitness influence depression risk.

Amy Taylor, PhD, co-author of the study and senior research fellow at University College London, explains:

“Because these genetic differences are randomly assigned at birth, the method helps overcome issues like confounding factors or reverse causality, which often make it hard to determine the real link between fitness and mental health.”

The study focused on two types of genetic markers: one associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and the other linked to grip strength, which served as a proxy for overall muscle strength. Depression was assessed using hospital records, self-reported histories, and questionnaires evaluating specific depressive symptoms.

Grip Strength and Depression

The analysis revealed a clear association between higher grip strength and lower risk of depression. Every 0.1 kilogram increase in grip strength per kilogram of body weight corresponded to an estimated 14% lower likelihood of developing depression.

Higher grip strength was also linked to a reduction in several common symptoms of depression, including a decreased inability to experience pleasure, a more stable appetite, improved mood, lower levels of extreme fatigue, and better focus and concentration.

These results suggest that muscle strength may serve as a protective factor for mental health, particularly against symptoms that can limit daily functioning and overall well-being.

Women Show Stronger Benefits

One of the study’s notable findings is the difference between men and women. Taylor notes,
“We observed clear differences between women and men in how muscle strength relates to depression symptoms.”

For women, an increase in grip strength of 0.1 kilograms per kilogram of body weight was linked to:

33% lower risk of an inability to experience pleasure
30% lower risk of depressed mood
26% lower risk of trouble concentrating

For men, the link was less pronounced, suggesting that women may gain unique mental health benefits from increasing muscle strength.

Why Muscle Strength Helps

The mechanisms behind the link between strength and mental health are still being explored. Michael Brustein, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in New York City, points out that:

“Cardio often tests endurance—the ability to push through. Strength is about agency—the ability to exert force. For someone experiencing the paralysis of depression, the immediate feedback of lifting a heavy object provides a sense of capability that walking or running cannot.”

Strength may also serve as a biological buffer, helping to counteract fatigue and a lack of pleasure in daily activities. While cardio has social and cognitive benefits, strength training offers tactile, measurable results that can reinforce a sense of competence and control.

Amy Taylor adds that the limited effect of cardio in this study doesn’t contradict previous research linking aerobic fitness with mental health. She suggests that other factors, such as social interaction during cardio or reverse causation (depression reducing activity levels), may influence previous findings.

Integrating Strength Training and Cardio

Freepik | ArthurHidden | Women can support mental and physical health with simple weekly strength workouts and regular light cardio.

The study reinforces that both strength and cardio have a place in a balanced fitness routine. Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health, notes:

“Cardio still provides mental health benefits, including reducing rumination and offering social support if done in groups.”

Resistance training, however, should be considered essential for mental well-being. Experts recommend two to three sessions per week to maintain neurological and psychological benefits. These sessions don’t require bodybuilding-level intensity—focused lifting that challenges muscles can be sufficient to improve mood and resilience.

Practical Recommendations

For individuals looking to enhance mental health through physical activity, the study highlights several key strategies:

1. Include resistance training at least twice a week. Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, or functional exercises that engage multiple muscle groups.
2. Maintain regular cardio to support heart health, energy levels, and social engagement.
3. Monitor progress with measurable strength markers, such as grip strength or lifting capacity, to stay motivated.
4. Pay attention to mental health symptoms and adjust activity levels to avoid overtraining or burnout.

This research adds a fresh perspective to the conversation about exercise and mental health.

Muscle strength may offer a protective edge, particularly for women, in reducing the risk of depression and its associated symptoms. Incorporating resistance training alongside cardio supports overall health, enhances mood, boosts energy, and builds a sense of capability.

By combining strength training with other forms of exercise, individuals can cultivate both physical resilience and mental clarity, reinforcing the idea that feeling strong is about more than just the body—it’s about supporting the mind too.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite famously dubbed “Catwoman,” has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years, captivating attention with her feline-inspired features. Beginning in the 1970s, she reportedly pursued cosmetic surgeries—including facelifts, eyelid lifts, cheek implants, and lip augmentations. These procedures have altered her appearance, leading to widespread media fascination and debate.

Despite the changes, Jocelyn has consistently denied undergoing plastic surgery, attributing her distinctive look to her Swiss heritage. She even shared a throwback photo on Instagram, showcasing her original appearance before any alleged enhancements, sparking renewed discussions about her transformation. Additionally, she has claimed that changes in her hairstyle have “completely” altered her looks over time.

Paris Hilton is one of the most famous party girls and socialites of all time. She is one of the heirs of the Hilton family fortune, which is why she can afford anything she wants, and that includes eight luxury cars. Out of her impressive collection, her favorite is her custom bubble gum Pink Bentley GT Continental, which is estimated to cost around $285,000.

]]> https://www.countingmypennies.com/trending/diese-atemberaubenden-bilder-die-von-trail-cams-aufgenommen-wurden-feiern-ihr-debut-mix0jv Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:02:18 +0000 https://countingmypennies.com/?p=96810 Ganz gleich, wie sehr ein Fotograf versucht, sich an ein wildes Tier heranzuschleichen, um es in einem beeindruckenden Moment zu fotografieren, es gelingt ihm nicht oft. Entweder wegen eines ungewöhnlichen Anblicks, eines ungewöhnlichen Geräuschs, eines intensiven Eigengeruchs oder ganz einfach aus Instinkt – Wildtiere können solche Situationen ganz einfach meiden. Wenn man den menschlichen Aspekt jedoch aus dem Spiel lässt und statt des Fotografen eine Trail-Cam benutzt, wird das Ganze gleich viel interessanter. Und wer hätte gedacht, dass die Kamera eines Tages der beste “Freund” eines jeden Naturfotografen sein könnte? Sie sind Tag und Nacht aktiv und lauern auf den perfekten “Schuss”. Sie erfassen die faszinierenden, intimen, kuriosen und witzigen Momente der Tierwelt. So etwas haben Sie bestimmt noch nie gesehen!

Ein Fass Im Geweih

Wir wundern uns, was diesem armen Reh passiert ist, das ein Fass in seinem Geweih hatte. Darüber, wie das Fass dorthin gekommen ist, gibt es mehrere Vermutungen. Vielleicht war es böse Absicht oder das Tier hat sich in Schwierigkeiten gebracht – keine Ahnung. Doch wir hoffen sehr, dass der Förster nach dem Hinweis auf das Foto das arme Tier von der unnötigen Last befreien konnte. Eine Trailcam hat in diesem Fall sicherlich einen großen Vorzug.

Rising to fame as the enigmatic frontwoman of Hole, Courtney Love has long been a subject of fascination for her evolving appearance and unapologetic candor. In the 1980s, she underwent her first rhinoplasty, seeking to refine her nose, a decision she later described as opening “new opportunities.”

Over the years, she has been candid about her cosmetic enhancements, including lip augmentations and facelifts, some of which yielded mixed results. In 2024, Courtney’s artistic endeavors took a notable turn. She collaborated with 070 Shake on a haunting cover of Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren,” showcasing her enduring influence in the music industry.

Paris Hilton is one of the most famous party girls and socialites of all time. She is one of the heirs of the Hilton family fortune, which is why she can afford anything she wants, and that includes eight luxury cars. Out of her impressive collection, her favorite is her custom bubble gum Pink Bentley GT Continental, which is estimated to cost around $285,000.

]]> https://www.countingmypennies.com/trending/what-your-favorite-celebs-look-like-without-makeup-some-of-them-are-completely-unrecognizable-salma-hayek-jbd https://www.countingmypennies.com/trending/what-your-favorite-celebs-look-like-without-makeup-some-of-them-are-completely-unrecognizable-salma-hayek-jbd#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:23:33 +0000 https://countingmypennies.com/?p=96799 Christina Aguilera

This is Christina Aguilera like we’ve never seen before. Christina Aguilera has recently joined the “no-makeup” trend and we think that she looks even better without makeup. By looking at her without any makeup on, the real Christina Aguilera suddenly has freckles and is looking like a softer and younger woman. Responding to her no makeup photos, Aguilera says she loved the experience and felt liberated to strip it all back and appreciate the raw beauty in people.

松田聖子氏と人気を二分し、衣装や楽曲への強いこだわりを持つアーティストとして一時代を築きました。今もなお孤高の歌姫として唯一無二の存在感を放ち、多くのファンを魅了し続けています。

Bei “Bares für Rares” ist Heide Rezepa-Zabel seit Beginn der Produktion 2013 mit von der Partie. In der Trödelshow verstärkt die Kunsthistorikerin, die mit einer Arbeit über “Das Deutsche Warenbuch” ihren Doktortitel erlangt hat, das Expertenteam mit ihrem Wissen.

Heide soll sich mittlerweile ein Vermögen von rund 1,5 Millionen Euro erarbeitet haben. Die Kunstsachverständige, die sich ebenfalls mit Diamanten und anderen Edelsteinen gut auskennt, hat diese Summe natürlich ihren regelmäßigen Fernsehauftritten zu verdanken. Aber Heide ist auch im privaten Rahmen in ihrer Rolle als Kunstsachverständige tätig. Außerdem gibt es auf ihrer Homepage ein Kursangebot, das darauf abzielt, Interessierten das Schätzen von Antiquitäten näher zu bringen.

【グローバル・IPホルダー】著作権と国際市場で超巨額を築く

福山雅治 – 俳優・歌手、推定純資産額：約175億円

「マルチプラットフォーム」戦略の完成形。 俳優としての高視聴率作品と、歌手としての20代から50代にわたるアルバムセールス1位という実績が、揺るぎないブランド価値を構築。音楽著作権と高額なCM契約という二本柱が、この圧倒的な資産基盤を支えています。