Combating Depression With Exercise

Personal training is not often associated with mental health, and in particular with depression. However, exercise is. There are numerous studies that show that taking part in physical activity reduces the symptoms of depression. Some go further to suggest that activity such as running has the power to cure depression. Is there a way to lead those with symptoms or a diagnosis of clinical depression to take up personal training? We share the mental health benefits of exercising with a personal trainer if you are feeling low and advice on taking steps towards working closely with other professionals to help those with depression to take up regular physical activity.

One in five people experience depression at some point in their lives. Major Depression (clinical) is the number one psychological disorder in the western world.


We all feel down, 'low' and unhappy from time to time. However, with clinical depression the symptoms are more severe and persistent (a few examples include: feelings of hopelessness, appetite and/or weight loss, feeling exhausted). Depression affects children, men and women of all shapes, sizes, socio-economic backgrounds and cultures.

Depression is usually treated with talking treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and/or medication. These therapies should be further complimented with the uptake of physical activity that may include exercising with a qualified personal trainer.

We are more aware of the benefits of exercise for physical health. However, the benefits of exercise for mental health are equally crucial:

*Increased self-confidence

*Increased self-esteem

*Reduce feelings of shame, helplessness and hopelessness

*Improved mood

*Increased concentration

*Improved sleep

The type of exercise best known to help with depression is walking and running as they are rhythmical and aerobic. However, other types of exercises such as functional training, weight lifting, pilates, boxing, resistance band training and stretching also require a focus and concentration that helps to ease the mind.

A personal trainer can introduce this type of fitness training. Furthermore, personal trainers are able to adapt to the mood of the individual and understand that someone who is feeling low will not necessarily feel like doing an intensive exercise session. Therefore, a walk/jog or run outdoors in a green park in the fresh air, coupled with a few easy pushups and fun tree pull-ups would be more beneficial.


More needs to happen to suggest exercise for depression. For example, building close relationships between personal trainers and other recognized professionals including: GPs, dieticians, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, counselors, mental health charities (Mind, Depression Alliance, British Obesity Society etc.) and perhaps even pharmaceutical companies.

Another way may be to offer courses in alliance with all or some of the above-mentioned professionals that combine their expertise to help those suffering from depression.


Contact us for more advice of how to start a personal training program to boost your self-confidence and energy levels!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Agi_Alexander

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