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Exercise More Effective For Treating Depression - Contours

Monday 28 April 2014, 10:08AM

By Pure SEO

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It is becoming more evident from extensive studies that exercise is often more effective than medication in treating depression. Exercise is helpful for depression because it stimulates the release of brain chemicals that improve your mood. While your doctor may also prescribe medication, committing to an activity programme will help to kick-start your recovery.

To help individual cope with stress and to avoid some of the pitfalls leading to depression and anxiety, the American Council on Exercise consulted two experts, Tracie Rogers, Ph.D. in sports and exercise psychology and owner of the Bar Fitness Studio in Phoenix, Arizona and Dr Nancey Tsai, a medical doctor and assistant professor of neurosciences at the division of neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C.

According to Rogers, “One of the most important things is to maintain an activity programme during the holidays, because it will make people feel better, mentally and physically.” Rogers, who is also an ACE certified Personal Trainer, says many clients worry about being able to stick to a regular exercise routine, and putting on extra pounds during this time of year, which can negatively affect one’s psyche.

Regular exercise is well known for facilitating physical benefits, such as good heart health and weight control, but exercise is also tremendously beneficial for good mental health, including treating depression.
On its website, WebMD cites research that shows that 30 minutes of daily exercise for three to five days a week can significantly improve symptoms of depression. Even shorter bouts of physical activity can improve mood in the short term, and help prevent a relapse after treatment for depression or anxiety.

Tsai finds that moderate-paced, cardio-rhythmic activity, such as walking for 20 minutes to 30 minutes during sunlight hours, can do wonders for SAD patients. Moreover, it’s great medicine for all types of depression. Rogers wants people to stay physically active during the holidays, but not to the level where exercise becomes an additional source of stress.

“We encourage our patients to maintain physical activity, but maintaining the same physical activity level can cause more stress so building in some flexibility is key,” Rogers says. A good way to stay active is to engage others. She suggests creating a new family tradition where everyone walks for 30 minutes before or after sitting down at the dinner table.

This philosophy is wholeheartedly endorsed by the team at Contours women’s health and fitness gym. For more information on Contours please visit their website at http://www.contours.co.nz .