Exercise and Mental Health: Going Above and Beyond the Traditional Therapy Couch

Exercise is widely recognized as a powerful tool for supporting mental health across diverse populations. Both cardiovascular and strength training, as well as flexibility exercises like yoga, have demonstrated significant benefits for mood, anxiety, and overall psychological well-being. Regular physical activity is associated with lower risks of developing depression and anxiety, and individuals who exercise habitually report better mental health functioning compared to those who do not[1]. These benefits appear to be dose-dependent, meaning that greater amounts of exercise are linked to incrementally better mental health outcomes[1].

Cardiovascular exercise, in particular, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain, such as enhanced hippocampal function, which is implicated in mood regulation[2]. Strength training also contributes to psychological health by improving muscle quality and self-efficacy, which can buffer against stress and depressive symptoms[3]. Flexibility training, including yoga, has unique benefits for cognitive functioning and emotional regulation, offering additional support for mental health[4].

For individuals living with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, exercise can play a crucial role in symptom management and quality of life. Meta-analyses indicate that physical exercise significantly reduces both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and improves global functioning and depressive symptoms[4]. Notably, exercise is effective in reducing negative symptoms—such as social withdrawal and lack of motivation—where medications often fall short[4]. Yoga, in particular, may enhance cognitive domains like long-term memory and attention in this population[4].

Individuals with bipolar disorder also benefit from regular exercise. Physical activity helps stabilize mood, reduces anxiety, and decreases the frequency of mood episodes and hospitalizations[5]. Exercise is most effective when combined with other lifestyle interventions, such as a healthy diet and adherence to prescribed medications. While exercise cannot replace medical treatment for manic symptoms, it serves as a valuable adjunct that enhances overall functioning and well-being[5]. 

Exercise is increasingly recognized as a supportive intervention for addiction disorders. Meta-analytic evidence shows that physical activity increases abstinence rates, eases withdrawal symptoms, and reduces anxiety and depression among individuals recovering from substance use disorders[6]. Aerobic and mind-body exercises are particularly effective for those with alcohol and illicit drug dependence, improving both mental health and the likelihood of sustained recovery[6]. 

Engaging in regular exercise can be challenging, especially for those struggling with severe mental health conditions. Therapeutic approaches such as motivational interviewing, exposure therapy, and community-based psychotherapy can help individuals overcome barriers to physical activity. Motivational interviewing fosters intrinsic motivation, exposure therapy gradually reduces exercise-related anxieties, and community-based programs provide social support and accountability. If you or someone you care about is interested in exploring how exercise can support your mental health, consider reaching out to your local mental health provider for personalized guidance and support.

**References** 

Kandola, A., Ashdown-Franks, G., Hendrikse, J., Sabiston, C. M., & Stubbs, B. (2020). Physical activity and depression: Towards understanding the antidepressant mechanisms of physical activity. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 117, 525-539. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8020774/[1]- 

Kandola, A., et al. (2019). The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and the incidence of common mental health disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 257, 748-757. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6997883/[2]- 

Gordon, B. R., et al. (2021). Effects of Training with Different Modes of Strength Intervention on Anxiety, Stress, and Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9173. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8471285/[3]- 

Firth, J., et al. (2015). Exercise Improves Clinical Symptoms, Quality of Life, Global Functioning, and Depression in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 41(3), 724-733. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4838091/[4]- 

Healthline. (2025). How Can Exercise Help Bipolar Disorder? https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/exercise[5]- 

Wang, D., et al. (2014). Impact of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. PLOS ONE, 9(10), e110728. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0110728[6]

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