HHP-2 Effects of Weight Training on College Students
Abstract
Weightlifting is known to be beneficial for our physical health, but its effects on mental health have been underscored. The subjects we have decided to focus on are college students, because according to the American Institute of Stress, "43% of university students had experienced a serious psychological issue for which they felt they needed professional help" (Insight Network 2020, page 13). The Institute also states, "20% of students are already in need of mental health support before they start university" (American Institute of Stress, 2023). A major percentage of university students seeking professional help due to their mental state, resulted in the college age cohort being the appropriate subjects for the research. Students were selected and surveyed on questions about weightlifting, its impact on their physical and mental health, weekly frequency and duration of the activity, and level of physical fitness. Conclusively, there were distinct patterns present throughout the research. Results showed a majority of subjects who did not weightlift believed that their mental and physical health would improve upon starting a weightlifting program. A percentage of 83.3 students confirmed their physical and mental health would likely improve. On the other hand, 16.7 percent say that it would not improve. Of the students who engaged in weightlifting, 33.3 percent cited weightlifting two or three times a week, while 16.7 percent engaged in the activities either once a week or four or more times weekly. An overwhelming 97% of student weightlifters reported improved physical and mental health. Our study also showed a correlation between frequency of weightlifting and overall well-being, with subjects reporting the most benefit from weightlifting three to four times weekly. The aim of this research was to fully understand the potential benefits to incorporating and promoting weight-training on college campuses to better support students' physical and mental well-being.
Keywords
weight-training health
HHP-2 Effects of Weight Training on College Students
University Readiness Center Greatroom
Weightlifting is known to be beneficial for our physical health, but its effects on mental health have been underscored. The subjects we have decided to focus on are college students, because according to the American Institute of Stress, "43% of university students had experienced a serious psychological issue for which they felt they needed professional help" (Insight Network 2020, page 13). The Institute also states, "20% of students are already in need of mental health support before they start university" (American Institute of Stress, 2023). A major percentage of university students seeking professional help due to their mental state, resulted in the college age cohort being the appropriate subjects for the research. Students were selected and surveyed on questions about weightlifting, its impact on their physical and mental health, weekly frequency and duration of the activity, and level of physical fitness. Conclusively, there were distinct patterns present throughout the research. Results showed a majority of subjects who did not weightlift believed that their mental and physical health would improve upon starting a weightlifting program. A percentage of 83.3 students confirmed their physical and mental health would likely improve. On the other hand, 16.7 percent say that it would not improve. Of the students who engaged in weightlifting, 33.3 percent cited weightlifting two or three times a week, while 16.7 percent engaged in the activities either once a week or four or more times weekly. An overwhelming 97% of student weightlifters reported improved physical and mental health. Our study also showed a correlation between frequency of weightlifting and overall well-being, with subjects reporting the most benefit from weightlifting three to four times weekly. The aim of this research was to fully understand the potential benefits to incorporating and promoting weight-training on college campuses to better support students' physical and mental well-being.