A simple leisurely walk can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. Recent research involving 419 healthy, middle-aged adults in their study. Each of them had
their daily activity monitored over a four-day period. The difference was obvious in those who engaged in just light-intensity activity felt better about
themselves and had lower depression. Those who undertook moderate-intensity activity had an even higher sense of well-being in
addition to reduced severity of pain. Interestingly enough, those who engaged in vigorous intensity activity, meaning jogging or
walking a mile in 13 minutes, reported no impact on their subjective well-being.
The researchers concluded that even moderate exercise where people are out and moving but
not pushing themselves too hard is actually helpful. Determining the right amount of physical exercise for you. As a Doctor of physical therapy, I encourage my patients to keep moving and engage in some
form of physical exercise daily. Inevitably the question arises: “How much is right for me and what type of exercise should I do?”
A 2018 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry where researchers found that different kinds of team-oriented sports, cycling and aerobic exercise are the most beneficial to mental health.
They observed that almost any kind of exercise can help, up to and including performing childcare, doing housework, cycling, going to the gym and running.
The researchers determined that the participants who benefited the most in terms of mental health were those who exercised for 30-60 minutes three to five times a week.
People who exercised for over three hours a day actually had worse mental health than those who did not exercise at all. When it comes to mental health and exercise, it seems, anything is
better than nothing, but too much is worse. Overall components of a healthy exercise programs All prescribed exercises are tailored to the specific physical needs of the client after a thorough
evaluation is performed. Using a variety of different exercise including flexibility exercises, exercises to improve strength and range of motion, balance and proprioception exercises, exercises for vertigo and dizziness, functional mobility exercises and cardiorespiratory exercises.
The person who has trouble walking after total knee replacement surgery needs a different approach than the seasoned athlete who wants to engage in specific sport conditioning. Bottom line is exercise has a significant impact in improving mental health.
Dr. Adam M. Cramer DPT, is a licensed Doctor of physical therapy, exercise specialist and owner of MyoFit Clinic in Chardon, Ashtabula and Middlefield, Ohio. References available at MyoFitClinic.com