Depression and Exercise

Exercise can be used as a treatment for depression. Many studies have shown how physical activity can overall reduce depression symptoms. Biologically and psychologically, physical activity improves individual’s life style and overall depressive symptoms. It is important to understand how exercise biologically reduces depression and enhances your mood. This information enables health care providers to use exercise as a resource towards treating depression. Knowing exercise is a treatment option for depression, it is important to address what type of physical activity is most beneficial for individuals suffering from depression. Components researched to find the most beneficial physical activity include: aerobic vs weight-lifting, duration, intensity, and frequency. By examining each component, health-care providers will be able to create an exercise guideline for those suffering from depression.