The Health Benefits of Exercise – The Mounting Evidence

We have always intuitively know the benefits of exercise however there is mounting evidence that exercise should be thought of as actual prescription therapy rather than simple healthy activity in it self.

A landmark study led by the Black Dog Institute has revealed that regular exercise of any intensity can prevent future depression – and just one hour can help.

The study was Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry last year,

A large study involving 33,908 Norwegian adults, had their levels of exercise and symptoms of depression and anxiety monitored over 11 years.

The study concluded that-

12 percent of cases of depression could have been prevented if participants undertook just one hour of physical activity each week. That’s less than 10mins per day.

According to the Australian Health Survey, 20 percent of Australian adults do not undertake any regular physical activity, and more than a third spend less than 1.5 hours per week being physically active.
How much is enough?
Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms. But smaller amounts of physical activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — makes a difference too.

The mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity may last only if you stick with it over the long term — good reason to focus on finding activities that you enjoy!