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Stress Less & Lose Weight: 3 Reasons a Strength Training Workout Routine Can Help

Writer: RachelRachel

Hey Mamma!


Let’s be real for a second—life is stressful. Whether it’s juggling work, kids, home, or just the endless to-do list that seems to regenerate overnight (seriously, how does that happen?!), stress is always lurking. And if you’re trying to lose weight on top of that? Ugh. It can feel impossible.


I remember vividly a point in my life where having that time in the gym REALLY helped me keep my sanity. My oldest son was going through some undiagnosed health struggles that he wasn't able to verbalize so it came out as really, really, scary behaviors. Also, I had 6 kids under the age of 8 so...you can probably guess I was mega overwhelmed all the time! You can listen to the whole story in the podcast episode if you'd like.



Through that super scary time, I managed to keep myself on track physically and mentally. A large part of that I attribute to these benefits I'm going to share today, as well as Jesus being with me through it (but that's another post!).


Today I want to dive into three powerful reasons why adding strength training to your routine can be a game-changer for both your mental health and your fitness goals.


Oh, and before we go further—have you joined my FREE Facebook community yet? It’s an amazing space for moms just like you who want to get strong, feel confident, and support each other. Click here to join!



1. Strength Training Balances Stress Hormones


Ever heard of endorphins? They’re your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, and strength training helps release them in big ways. That’s why after a workout, you often feel that rush of energy and happiness (yes, even when you were this close to skipping it).


But strength training also plays a key role in managing cortisol—the not-so-friendly stress hormone that can make it harder to lose weight. While exercise can temporarily increase cortisol, research shows that regular strength training helps your body handle stress better in the long run, keeping those cortisol levels from wreaking havoc.


And let’s talk about sleep for a sec—because we all know that when you’re exhausted, everything feels harder (including fat loss). Strength training helps regulate adenosine, a hormone that promotes sleep. Fun fact? Caffeine actually blocks adenosine receptors, which is why that afternoon coffee might be keeping you up later than you’d like!

The bottom line: better sleep = less stress = better results in your weight loss journey.



2. Strength Training Forces You to Listen to Your Body


In the whirlwind of daily life, we’re often on autopilot—rushing from one thing to the next, barely taking a second to breathe. Strength training forces you to slow down. Each movement requires focus, form, and intention. It’s like built-in mindfulness with weights!


And here’s the magic: when you practice tuning in during workouts, it spills over into the rest of your life.


You build confidence.


You become more aware of how stress affects your body.


You start caring for yourself in a way that goes beyond just exercise.


Mamma, I know how easy it is to put yourself last. But let’s be honest—burnout isn’t a badge of honor. If you’re constantly running on empty, how can you show up as the best version of yourself FOR your family?


That’s why I created Fit Lifestyle in a Box—a step-by-step program designed for moms like you. It teaches you exactly how to strength train to lose fat, without the overwhelm. My students are busy moms, full-time workers, and they’re seeing results. And you can too! Check it out at effectivefitnessforwomen.com and click on Fit Lifestyle in a Box. Let’s do this together!



3. Strength Training Creates a Ripple Effect in Your Life


Taking care of yourself in the gym leads to better choices in every area of life—nutrition, sleep, self-care, and even how you handle stress.


One of my clients recently told me how starting strength training inspired her to cut down on screen time before bed, because she realized how much it was affecting her sleep. That one small shift made such a difference in how she felt every day.


When you prioritize movement, you’re sending yourself a powerful message: I am worth this effort.

And guess what? You are.


Ready to Take the First Step?


Now that you know how strength training can help you stress less and lose weight, let’s make it real.

What’s one way you can start incorporating it into your life?


Whatever it is—commit to it. You’ve got this.


And if you want a clear, simple, and effective way to start, check out Fit Lifestyle in a Box. I’ll walk you through exactly what to do, in a way that fits into your busy mom life.


Let’s make it happen!



 
 
 

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