I will endeavor to explain the problems on the study of effective exercise as opposed to non-effective exercise.

Feeling the impact effects of regular exercise releases feel good hormones;

Some experience high impact full body exercises and some low impact chair exercises

We all have read articles lately about the benefits that exercise can have on our mental/ emotional health.

How people suffering anxiety, low self esteem or mild depression can reap the benefits of simple and regular exercise.

As you continue to read this article you will notice how you absorb this information, challenging what we may or may not believe.  

Although this optimistic appraisal has attracted a great deal of attention, the scientific community has been much more cautious in offering such a blanket endorsement. Consider the tentative conclusions from the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health (PCPFS Research Digest, 1996) that… “Physical activity appears to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve mood” and that “regular physical activity may reduce the risk of developing depression, although further research is needed on this topic.”

Did you notice the careful usage of words which I have under-lined. You may not know it yet but in a moment you will gain the knowledge about careful usage of words like appears and may.

There are numerous clinical trial studies offering variable findings, some of which are pro exercise and some against. There is no doubt that the mental health area needs more statistically evidence based research. And that is why you may find the open ended, non-committal words used in scientific studies that may illustrate the caution that people in the scientific community appear to have when it comes to endorsing research.

The fact that you are still reading this article means that you are interested.

Let me ask you to imagine for a moment what it would be like to conduct your own research.

Just think about it…

If you start to feel better then you are the one that benefits. If you start to feel worse then stop. You may wish to offer your research to the mental health associations, you may not…

Let me ask you to share your thoughts on this matter and what this information meant to you.

Dawn Pugh Psychotherapist