As an athlete, I have noticed a certain connection between physical exercises and psychology. When you hit the gym, you notice more people lifting weights and working on getting bigger chests and shoulders. It makes them look attractive, or at least it is how they are perceived by the society corresponding with the latest physical attractiveness standards. However, the number of people who practice body-lifting (internal weight) exercises including running, pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups, is always less compared to the number of those lifting external weights. 

Lifting external weights has a quick and more noticeable outcomes, whereas reaping body-lifting (internal weight lifting) benefits, particularly physical appearance, takes a long time. As I experienced, lifting external weights is surprisingly easier, and the fact that the progress can be easily noticed on a daily basis just by standing in front the mirror after lifting weights plays a big rule. On the contrary, when I go for running, I need my quads, calves, hamstring, and chiefly the thoracic diaphragm to work at a very high pace, and this is literally exhausting. It is so much of work; however, the results (physical appearance improvement) are barely seen in a short notice. Scientifically proven, the exercises that enhance the conditioning and muscular endurance are way more beneficial healthwise. Accordingly, body-lifting exercises outweigh the health benefits of lifting external weights.

So how is that psychologically related?

Well, personally, I find it less challenging to speak to a friend who seeks my help rather than confronting my own problems. Unlike facing my own problems, when helping others I do not have to bend my ego and go with my fear toe-to-toe which demands a lot of inner power. Sometimes, listening to others is a tricky move to numb your pain, and it makes you feel wise and flawless by giving advices that you might not even be able to implement them on yourself. 

The essence of the comparison is that body-lifting is physically depleting, and similarly lifting yourself and confronting your problems is mentally and emotionally exhausting. On the other hand, lifting external weights either by lifting weights in the gym or listening to a friend is relatively easier, and it makes you perceived by others as someone having an attractive shape physically and psychologically as well.