Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or dancing can serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A major analysis of 63 reviews covering nearly 80,000 people found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that heart rate-raising aerobic exercise delivered the strongest benefits. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser degree. Group or supervised sessions produced additional improvements, suggesting social interaction plays a key role.
Lead researcher Neil Munro of James Cook University said exercise can match or sometimes exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, experts urged caution. Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London stressed that exercise should not replace therapy or medication for moderate to severe cases. Michael Bloomfield from University College London added that while group activities like dance classes can help many people, they should complement established treatments where needed.
