Exercise Helps With Depression?

I read somewhere the other day that taking part in regular exercise can help a person deal with depression. Not sure on the scientific part behind that, but still, maybe somebody on here does?

So anyway I though I'd give it a go and decided to take up Tap Dancing again. Went to my first lesson yesterday evening. It was great fun and I was surpised at how much energy I had afterwards! Plus I got to meet some new people and work towards being fitter at the same time.

Does anybody else feel that regular exercise is a good tool for battling depression? Does anybody feel the same afterwards as I did yesterday? Any ideas on what sort of exercise may work the best?

Nici

Yer, i think it depends on the person because my friend started up netball again last term n she is wayy happy now. But my other mate got totally addicted to exercising and now she's dangerously skinny. So i guess it depends on the person. But that's great to hear you're having fun!! Keep it up!!

why would you exercise if you were depressed tho?

maybe the excersise is yoga or something like that i heard that those are good stress relievers

There's no reason why you couldn't exercise just because you are depressed. Not any physical reason anyway. I guess it depends on the person, the support they get and many other factors.

For me the best way to try and start/carry on with exercise when I feel depressed/sad is it call a friend and exercise with them. I have made many friends at the Tap Class and sometimes just wanting to see a friendly face and enjoy company can do wonders for the mind.

Nici

Exercising is supposed to release a chemical in your brain that makes you feel better...it MAY help you, try to find the thing for you though...I found bike riding to be much better than jogging... *shrugs*