The study (sub. req.) concludes people who exercise report having 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health a month compared to people who do not exercise at all. The beneficial effect of exercise was even greater among people who already had depression, researchers found. While all types of activity appeared to improve mental health, the most effective ones were found to be team sports, cycling, aerobics and going to the gym. Researchers concluded 45 minutes of exercise three to five times a week was the optimum amount of time for the greatest benefits to mental health. Working out for more than three hours a day was associated with worse mental health than not exercising at all. Even completing household chores was associated with a reduction in poor mental health days of around 10%. However, the authors admit it is unclear whether inactivity is a symptom of or contributor to poor mental health.
NBHC Population Health