According to an article from The New York Times, lifting weights may help individuals who suffer from anxiety.
As stated by a 2018 review of studies with anxiety and resistance training, adults who lift weights are less likely to experience depression compared to people who have never lifted weights before. In another study, women diagnosed with clinical anxiety disorders revealed having decreased symptoms after starting either aerobic or weight training.
Crunch Fitness, a gym located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, provides 14 different classes, 5,000 square feet of "proprietary equipment," four HIIT workout classes, and high-intensity interval training for members.
Lauren Lamartine, a Crunch Fitness employee, is working towards becoming a personal trainer. She mentions that before she started working at Crunch Fitness, she started weight lifting as a member.
"Every time I finished a workout, I felt better, and that became addicting to me. Weight lifting became a hobby for me. I was here every day, and they eventually asked me if I wanted to start working here," says Lauren.
Lauren says that before she found herself at the gym, she suffered from anxiety. She says that she was always anxious and stressed, tired, never had energy, and was "mentally all over the place."
"When I came here, I gained more confidence and was able to make better decisions in life and become a better mom for my two kids. Overall, it was the best decision I ever made joining Crunch," says Lauren.
As stated by mayoclinic.com, exercise can help with depression and anxiety in many ways; letting out "feel-good endorphins," taking one's mind off of worrying, gaining confidence, attaining more social interaction, and coping healthily.
Lauren encourages anyone thinking about trying out the gym and weight lifting that they have personal trainers who can help. She says that once someone signs up at crunch fitness, they get a crunch one kickoff, an assessment where individuals can discuss their fitness and nutrition goals, what sent them to the gym in the first place, and much more.
"We're big on accountability," says Lauren. "There's so much more to the gym than lifting weights. We're like a family."
On their Instagram page, you can find motivational quotes, challenges individuals can take part in, updates for members, and events that members can celebrate, such as "National Best Friends Day."
On their website, they state, "no judgments means room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender or fitness level. No matter your workout of choice, we want you to feel good while reaching your goals. Join the fun."