How Lifting Weights Fuels My Creativity (And Life!)

For the last two years, strength training has become just as essential to my creative routine as my journal or paints. Art and athletics rarely intersect in most people’s minds, but I’ve always felt at home moving between those worlds. As a former college basketball player and a runner, those younger years had me bouncing from the ceramics studio straight to the gym—one of the rare artist-athletes who thrived on the energy of both spaces.

It didn’t take long to realize that lifting weights was more than physical—it supercharged my art, and my life. Even back then, the discipline, focus, and endorphin rush that came from training translated into deeper creative stamina. My time lifting weights gave me the same kind of mental clarity and momentum I needed to start (and finish) a new collage or journal page.

Now, strength training isn’t just a workout—it’s a powerful part of my art practice and the foundation for how I move through life and creativity.

The Science Behind Exercise and Creativity

Research shows that regular exercise, including strength training, does more than just keep us physically fit—it actually boosts creativity. Physical activity floods the brain with oxygen-rich blood, fueling memory, improving mood, and sparking new connections between brain cells — all crucial ingredients for creative breakthroughs. Studies find that both divergent thinking (generating many ideas) and convergent thinking (finding the best solution) flourish in regular exercisers compared to sedentary folks.

How My Workouts Shift My Mindset

I generally follow a three-day-per-week program, focused on full-body exercises. It’s important to me to lift heavy, go slow and be intentional about this routine. I sometimes will walk the treadmill while listening to a podcast too - it’s truly a delight! Although I sometimes rather stay hunkered inside in the morning, these workouts get me out from behind my art desk and into a new environment - which is key for me. Aside from time in the gym, I aim to walk 10,000 steps per day , which is relatively easy living here in Lisbon. The physical act of moving, especially when I get outside, helps me step away from creative blocks. More than once, I’ve had new art ideas snap into focus halfway through a round of squats.

Lifting’s Surprising Life Benefits

Keeping up with my workouts has made daily life smoother too. I have more energy for art-making, and face the ups and downs of parenting and running an art business with a clearer mindset and less stress. Exercise not only supports brain health and memory but also helps me emotionally reset (which I need a lot of these days).

Simple, Regular Movement

For anyone curious, workouts don’t need to be long or intense. Simple, regular movement is enough to make a difference in creative output. Add a side of protein in every meal and some natural light in your workspace and you’ll be good to go for the day. If you lift or do some kind of intentional movements throughout the day, I’d love to hear from you. Perhaps we can swap notes!