I felt this way for a long time. Besides, it just stands to reason.

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Strength training does more than bulk up muscles

It may reduce depression, give older people better cognitive function, boost good cholesterol and more.

February 13, 2011|By Jeannine Stein, Los Angeles Times

Strength training has strong-armed its way beyond the realm of bodybuilding.

A growing body of research shows that working out with weights has health benefits beyond simply bulking up one's muscles and strengthening bones. Studies are finding that more lean muscle mass may allow kidney dialysis patients to live longer, give older people better cognitive function, reduce depression, boost good cholesterol, lessen the swelling and discomfort of lymphedema after breast cancer and help lower the risk of diabetes.

The full article is available here:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/13/health/la-he-adv-strength-training-20110213