I was just reading a some recent research about exercise and anxiety. Researchers from Penn State and the University of Limerick Ireland ran a study evaluating moderate resistance training as a method to treat mild depression.
There have been quite a few studies showing the positive effects of cardio exercise on reducing anxiety and depression. There is definitely a powerful link between going for a run as a way to help manage anxiety.
This new study is different in that it focused on the effect of resistance training on reducing anxiety and depression. This is an area that has been largely unstudied.
By the end of the 8 week resistance training program, 95 percent of participants had improved so much that they no longer met the criteria for Acute Major Depressive Disorder (AMDD).
You've probably heard the term "Exercise as Medicine". Turns out it's true.
This research found that the impact of resistance training on reducing depressive symptoms had a larger effect size than antidepressant medications as a treatment.
Let that sink in.
This study was performed on adults 18 to 40 years of age, with an average age of 26 +/- 5. So this needs to be replicated across more age groups. But the results are encouraging.
What strikes me about this that it's just one more in a long list of reasons to move your body every day. And the best way to fuel those workouts is with a high-protein breakfast!
How about you? Drop me a line and let me know how your mood feels after a good strength workout.
Be good to your self!
Todd McGuire
Founder, Todd's Power Oats
p.s. For a short, but effective strength workout you can do at home, check out my blog post on "The 350" home workout I do a few days a week. Takes less than 20 minutes and provides all the resistance training you need! Here's a preview of what it looks like:
