Exercise Reduces Depression

"It's just like getting a caffeine kick. I don't need my coffee because exercise is my caffeine." says exerciser, Rodney George. "When I come here in the morning, I'm depressed and tired. But once I start I don't feel like stopping, they have to kick me out!" says Irene Petrakis. Rodney's and Irene's obsession with exercise might have something to do with the connections between exercise and depression, specifically, the positive effects of exercise on depression.

"It's easy to explain the positive effects of exercise on depression. We have a natural pharmacy of chemicals and hormones in our brain. Endorphins are mood elevators, so when we exercise these chemicals are naturally released and we actually feel happier." explains Dr. Lillie Rosenthal, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Miller Institute at St. Luke's Roosevelt hospital.

According to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, jumping on that treadmill or going for a run is not only good for your health, but it can also help significantly reduce depression.

The first study to look at exercise alone in treating mild to moderate depression in adults aged 20 to 25 showed that depressive symptoms were reduced almost 50% in individuals who participated in 30-minute aerobic exercise sessions three to five times a week. The study showed encouraging results for the positive effects of exercise on depression. "Just taking a pill for depression really doesn't change much except your mood. It doesn't do much to increase your overall health. If you can do two things at once, like improve your physical and your mental health it makes sense to go in that direction." explains Dr. Rosenthal.

The results, published in a recent issue of The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, are comparable to results from studies in which patients with mild to moderate depression were treated with antidepressants or cognitive therapy. Individuals who participated in moderately intense aerobics such as exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike, for either 3 or 5 days per week, experienced a decline in depressive symptoms by an average of 47% after 12 weeks.

Those in the low-intensity exercise groups showed a 30% reduction in symptoms. "It just doesn't matter what mood you come into a gym with. If you're exhausted, if you're down about anything, nothing works like exercise. Why people take drugs I have no clue, because exercise is far more effective and you'll end up feeling so much better about yourself." says exerciser, Teri Herber. Of course before starting any type of exercise regimen, you should always consult with your physician.

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