Strength and Conditioning: How It Improves Mental Health

Are you interested in becoming a strength and conditioning coach? The MSc Strength and Conditioning course at the University of Bolton is the perfect platform for sports, sports science and coaching graduates looking to take their skills to the next level.

Not only are strength training and body conditioning important aspects of athlete management and injury prevention in professional sports, but it’s also fantastic for balancing chemicals in the brain, helping to keep people happy and motivated. When working with clients, the weight and resistance training you provide goes far beyond just physical benefits. You’ll be helping them improve their body and mind, contributing to their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Strength training in reducing depression

According to a recent meta-analysis of related studies, weight training can be just as effective as aerobic exercise in tackling symptoms of anxiety and depression. This gives medical and coaching professionals a fresh perspective on fighting disorders of the mind.

While cardio workouts have been touted as an ideal remedy for depression for many years, it is now clear that weights are just as important. Strength and resistance training lowers body fat, which has a correlation with mental disorders. It also helps the body release and balance dopamine, and stimulates norepinephrine for regulating emotion. And just like any other form of physical activity, it release endorphins, giving us that ‘feel good’ factor.

Working as a strength and conditioning coach

If you’re interested in helping athletes reach their potential, working as a strength training and conditioning coach could be for you. Not only will you be supporting their physical development, but you will contribute their mental health too. And studying your master’s degree with us can open up a range of professional opportunities due to our impressive links with industry.

Plus, we’re in the Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality* and have been voted No.1 for Student Satisfaction for three years running!** So there’s nowhere better to begin your Postgraduate journey than the University of Bolton, a leading Manchester university that puts students, and their needs first.

Sports coaching students also get to study and train within our £31 million Bolton One facility, a dedicated sport, leisure, health and research centre. With state-of-the-art equipment and world-class placement opportunities, we can get your career off to a flying start.

Find out more about out enrolling in 2021 by heading over to the MSc Strength and Conditioning course page.

* The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 2019
*** Complete University Guide in 2021, 2020 and 2019, North West region