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Weight Training Might Help Reduce Symptoms of Depression: Study

RET or resistance exercise training helps reduce symptoms of depression significantly, as per a new paper.

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Yes, we’ve all heard enough number of times how important exercise is for good our physical health.

But a new paper has found that exercise, especially strength training is not only good for one’s body but also for mental health.

A review of more than 30 studies has found that RET or resistance exercise training helps reduce symptoms of depression significantly. RET comprises activities such as weight lifting and strength training. Weight training also helps build strength and leads to stronger muscles and bones, reducing the risk of injury.

The paper was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The Review

For the review, Brett Gordon, along with his team, analyzed close to 33 clinical trials of more than 2,000 people. They studied the effects of RET on signs of depression.

Through their analysis they found that symptoms of depression such as low energy levels, lack of motivation, interest (irrespective of age, sex, health levels etc.) improved significantly due strength training.

Speaking to TIME Magazine over email, Brett Gordon said:

Interestingly, larger improvements were found among adults with depressive symptoms indicative of mild-to-moderate depression compared to adults without such scores, suggesting RET may be particularly effective for those with greater depressive symptoms.
Brett Gordon, Researcher, Ireland’s University of Limerick

While Gordon and his team aren’t not sure about the direct relationship between physical activities and mental health, he said that the increased blood flow to the brain might help release happy chemicals like endorphins and change the structure of the brain which in turn might help reduce the symptoms of depression.

Brett Gordon is a researcher at Ireland’s University of Limerick and an author of the paper.

Since Gordon and his team analyzed a comprehensive range of strength training exercises, he says they ‘can’t name a single best exercise regimen for mental health’.

However, he suggested people could follow the recommendations provided by the American College of Sports Medicine of performing strength training exercises for at least two days each week.

The paper states that there’s also much evidence that activities such as yoga, cardio may also help reduce symptoms of depression.

Gordon does recognize that issues such as depression are complicated and mere physical activities might not completely eliminate the symptoms. He also acknowledged that people who might be suffering from depression might find it difficult to find the necessary motivation to pursue such activities.

But, he felt that the new review might help push the case that physical activities are ‘powerful tools’ to aid mental health.

(With media inputs)

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Topics:  Depression   Mental Health 

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