Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity
Review study confirms benefits of physical activity across adult populations.
Fitness pros can remind clients not only of the physical benefits of training but also of the significant mental health benefits of physical activity. A recent large review study that included more than 128,000 participants, shows that physical activity is effective in reducing depression, anxiety and emotional distress among all adults, not only those with diagnosed mental health conditions, as reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2023; doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106195). University of South Australia researchers in Adelaide reviewed 97 studies to look at evidence on effects of physical activity in the most common mental health issues among adults. Study authors conclude that “physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress.”
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
