Exercise should be a “core treatment” for people with depression, academics have said, after a new study suggested that some forms of exercise were just as good as therapy and even better than anti-depressants.

Walking, jogging, yoga and strength training appeared to be more effective than other types of exercises, according to a major new analysis.

And the more vigorous the exercise, the better, according to a research team led by academics in Australia.

But even low intensity exercises such as walking and yoga had meaningful benefit.

The effect of exercise appeared superior to antidepressants, according to the study which has been published in The BMJ.

But when exercise was combined with antidepressants, this improved the effect of the drugs.

  • RobotToaster@mander.xyz
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    9 months ago

    It won’t be implemented, because personal trainers are more expensive than (most) antidepressants.

    • ickplant@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      Rec centers are all over the place. They are cheap and they have decent equipment. They also have people who help. You don’t need a personal trainer to go for a walk or lift weights.

      • RobotToaster@mander.xyz
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        9 months ago

        I’m always worried I’ll do something wrong and drop something on my head or something and end up on some zoomer’s tiktok snuff video.

        Probably stupid but anxiety is commonly co-morbid with depression so I doubt I’m the only one.

        • ickplant@lemmy.world
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          9 months ago

          Rec centers are full of old people, they are not like gyms at all. Trust me, no one will be paying attention, and people will even be nice! I have social anxiety, so I really relate to your concerns. I dislike gyms, but love my rec center.

    • R0cket_M00se@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      You don’t need a personal trainer anymore than you need a mechanic to change your wheel/tire. A little research and/or just a decently competent fitness-minded individual to mentor you for a few sessions is all you need.

    • CashewNut 🏴󠁢󠁥󠁧󠁿@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      You can get an exercise prescription in the UK. It’s basically a pass to use the local (public) leisure centre. Your don’t get a trainer but you do get to use the equipment.