Moment: The Science Behind Why Stronger People Feel More Confident episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 11, 2026 · 21 MIN

Moment: The Science Behind Why Stronger People Feel More Confident

from Rena Malik, MD Podcast · host Rena Malik, MD

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik sits down with Michael Joseph Gross to explore the fascinating history and cultural perceptions of strength training. Together, they discuss the evolving relationship between physical fitness and intelligence, the forgotten stories of strength training among women in the Victorian era, and the vital role exercise plays in both physical and mental health. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of body and mind, and practical insights into incorporating strength training into everyday life. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Brain vs Brawn Myth 01:00 George Barker Winship & Early Strength Training 03:18 The “Health Lift” and 19th Century Fitness 05:10 Why Strength Training Isn’t Normalized Today 07:34 Strength Training for Public Health 09:44 Strength Training Among Victorian Women 12:56 How Few People Actually Lift Weights 13:42 Strength Training and Depression Research 16:05 Strength Training and Sexual Health 17:00 Exercise Reducing Hip Surgery Risk 18:12 Strength Training for Obese Adolescents 19:40 Why Feeling Strong Matters Stay connected with Michael Joseph Gross on social media for daily insights and updates. Don’t miss out—follow him now and check out these links! INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljosephgross/ X - https://x.com/m_j_gross?lang=en WEBSITE - https://www.michaeljosephgross.com Dr. Gross’s book: STRONGER: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/319063/stronger-by-michael-joseph-gross/ Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik sits down with Michael Joseph Gross to explore the fascinating history and cultural perceptions of strength training. Together, they discuss the evolving relationship between physical fitness and intelligence, the forgotten stories of strength training among women in the Victorian era, and the vital role exercise plays in both physical and mental health. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of body and mind, and practical insights into incorporating strength training into everyday life. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Brain vs Brawn Myth 01:00 George Barker Winship & Early Strength Training 03:18 The “Health Lift” and 19th Century Fitness 05:10 Why Strength Training Isn’t Normalized Today 07:34 Strength Training for Public Health 09:44 Strength Training Among Victorian Women 12:56 How Few People Actually Lift Weights 13:42 Strength Training and Depression Research 16:05 Strength Training and Sexual Health 17:00 Exercise Reducing Hip Surgery Risk 18:12 Strength Training for Obese Adolescents 19:40 Why Feeling Strong Matters Stay connected with Michael Joseph Gross on social media for daily insights and updates. Don’t miss out—follow him now and check out these links! INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljosephgross/ X - https://x.com/m_j_gross?lang=en WEBSITE - https://www.michaeljosephgross.com Dr. Gross’s book: STRONGER: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/319063/stronger-by-michael-joseph-gross/ Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 11, 2026.

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In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik sits down with Michael Joseph Gross to explore the fascinating history and cultural perceptions of strength training. Together, they discuss the evolving relationship between physical fitness and intelligence, the...

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