If you ever see a group running event, you’ll be struck by how enjoyable it is – for runners and spectators alike.
Runners “high fiving” children along the route, band playing, runners chatting to each other and smiling as they cross the finish line.
Do you wish you could have the same feeling?
Maybe it’s been a tough day at work, stress levels through the roof?
Relationship or family issues?
Lacking in confidence?
Studies have shown that after exercising 3 times a week, over a 16 week period, a group of over 200 men and women, 45% of whom were diagnosed with major depression no longer met the criteria for depression.
Physical activity is also effective for improving depression amongst those not responding to medication. The most important factors in treating depression with physical activity are to make it regular, enjoyable and to provide a sense of accomplishment with the ultimate goal of creating regular exercise.
Self esteem is also improved through physical activity, as reported by 78% of 37 randomised control studies – with the biggest improvements amongst those with low self-esteem scores at the start.
Reviews of 40 studies exploring physical activity, chronic illness and anxiety generated 75 measurable effects from a total sample of 2,914 patients with a mean age of 50, who undertook physical activity an average of three times a week for 42 minutes, which lasted for an average of 16 weeks. Analysis showed that exercising significantly reduced anxiety scores in patients with a chronic illness. Programmes between three and 12 weeks in duration were seen to be most effective.
At LAP Fitness Coaching, we’re fully adopting the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. We’re committed to promoting wellbeing, to promote and adopt good mental health policies and best practice. We tackle discrimination, provide a supportive network to share resources and best practice, and monitor the performance of our team and clients, assess their progress and take positive action on mental health issues.
#MentalHealthAwarenessDay