Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, or dancing can act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A major analysis found the strongest improvements in young adults and new mothers, groups considered vulnerable to mental health problems.
Scientists reviewed 63 studies covering nearly 80,000 people and published the findings in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Activities that raised heart rate showed the greatest effect on depression, while resistance training and yoga had smaller benefits. Group and supervised exercise appeared especially helpful, suggesting social connection boosts mental health gains.
Researchers said exercise can sometimes match or exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, experts from King’s College London and University College London warned that exercise should complement, not replace, therapy or medication for moderate to severe depression.
With depression and anxiety affecting hundreds of millions worldwide, scientists say structured physical activity offers a low-cost, accessible option for many people with mild symptoms.
