Exercise: One of the Best Medicines to Treat Depression

There are countless studies that show benefits of regular exercise from living longer, heart health, and sleeping better. Now research is showing that exercise can help with signs and symptoms of depression according to Time Healthland.

“This study shows that exercise is associated not only with physical health benefits, but important mental health benefits as well, lead study author James Blumenthal told reporters.” The findings were published August 1st in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

In fact, in 1999 a study conducted by Duke University found that depressed adults who participated in an aerobic-exercise plan improved as much as those treated with sertraline, found in Zoloft.

The reason behind this is all in the brain: like how antidepressants regulate neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, exercise may be doing the same thing. “Over the course of several weeks, exercise can switch on certain genes that increase the brain’s level of galanin, a peptide neurotransmitter that appears to tone down the body’s stress response by regulating another brain chemical, norepinephrine,” Time Healthland explains.

What does this mean? In basic terms, it means that exercise helps the brain show and feel less stressed, allowing for symptoms of depression to ease and to feel happier.

Another way to increase levels of happiness is to be surrounded by friends and family. At Fitness 2000, we welcome group fitness in all of our classes! The energy, passion, and dedication you find in group fitness will help you stay committed on your personal fitness journey and to living a longer, healthier life. Take a look at the classes we offer and check out the schedule to find one that works for you!

For more information on how exercise can help with depression, read this article by The Journal of the American Medical Association and check out our Fitness 2000 Facebook page!

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