The Ultimate Guide to Exercise and Depression: What Types of Exercise are Most Effective?

A recent analysis published in The BMJ looked at 215 studies to determine which types of exercise are most effective in managing symptoms of depression. The study compared various forms of exercise, including walking, running, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, aerobic exercise, and strength training.

The findings of the study indicated that walking, running, yoga, strength training, and dancing were the most effective types of exercise for individuals using exercise as the sole treatment for depression. For those who combined exercise with talk therapy, yoga, tai chi, and aerobic exercise were particularly beneficial. People who included any form of exercise while taking antidepressants showed better outcomes compared to those who only used medication.

The researchers emphasized that while higher-intensity exercise was most helpful for depression, any regular exercise routine is better than none. The duration and frequency of exercise did not significantly impact the effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential to make physical activity a part of your daily routine to manage symptoms of depression effectively.