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Life Fitness (UK) Ltd
Life Fitness (UK) Ltd
Life Fitness (UK) Ltd
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UNITING THE WORLD OF FITNESS
Health Club Management

Health Club Management

Latest news

Exercise is '1.5 times more effective than counselling or medication' in treating depression and anxiety

Exercise is more effective than counselling or many medications when it comes to managing depression
The finding comes from research conducted by the University of South Australia
It shows that physical activity was linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms
Exercise was deemed particularly effective for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress

Physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or leading medications when it comes to managing and treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The finding comes from research conducted by the University of South Australia (UOSA) in Adelaide, Australia and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

It shows that physical activity was linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms.

Exercise was deemed particularly effective for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

A review of data, conducted by UOSA, encompassed 97 reviews, 1,039 trials and 128,119 participants.

It showed that physical activity's positive effects on mental health are similar across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders and people with chronic disease.

Among other key findings were that higher intensity physical activity is associated with greater improvements in symptoms.

However, the effectiveness of exercise interventions seems to diminish with longer-duration interventions.

Physical interventions that were 12 weeks or shorter were the most effective at reducing mental health symptoms, highlighting the speed at which physical activity can make a change.

Some methods of exercise were also more effective than others in improving particular conditions.

For example, resistance exercise had the largest effects on depression, while yoga and other mind–body exercises were most effective for reducing anxiety.

According to Lead UOSA researcher, Dr Ben Singh, the result of the research mean that exercise should be adopted as a primary approach for managing mental health issues, such as depression.

“We found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga,” Singh said.

“We’re confident that if physical activity interventions were adopted, we would see a definite positive impact on symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress.”

To read the full report, click here for the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The benefits of exercise to mental health have been well-documented for decades and the health and fitness industry has consistently made the case for physical activity to be used in treating depression and anxiety.

Evidence of this can be found in previous issues of HCM. In 2005, we reported on a campaign by The Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness about the effectiveness of exercise in preventing and treating mental health problems.

In 2010, a team from the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) at King's College London and academics from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the University of Bergen found that people who participate in regular physical activity outside work are not as likely to show signs of depression as those who don't.

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The pandemic sparked a change of priorities and how many people regard physical activity. ClubIntel shares its findings into what fitness consumers now want, lifting the lid on who are the casual consumers, fitness explorers, routine junkies and wellness lovers.

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Mental health scores have dived along with bank balances in the last few years. Dr Colin Bryant from ACE says this presents an opportunity for the industry to step up provision so mental health is cared for as well as physical.
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Around 85 per cent of disease is epigenetic/preventable and exercise is one of the most effective ways of delivering prevention. Can the industry shout loudly enough about this to be heard?
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Regular physical activity has been linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, a study from Australia shows
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Active IQ is the UK’s leading Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation for the Physical Activity sector....
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For more than four decades, Keiser has influenced the training of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and ...
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Click on a catalogue to view it online
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Diary dates
06-08 Feb 2024
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Latest news

Exercise is '1.5 times more effective than counselling or medication' in treating depression and anxiety

Exercise is more effective than counselling or many medications when it comes to managing depression
The finding comes from research conducted by the University of South Australia
It shows that physical activity was linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms
Exercise was deemed particularly effective for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress

Physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or leading medications when it comes to managing and treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The finding comes from research conducted by the University of South Australia (UOSA) in Adelaide, Australia and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

It shows that physical activity was linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms.

Exercise was deemed particularly effective for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

A review of data, conducted by UOSA, encompassed 97 reviews, 1,039 trials and 128,119 participants.

It showed that physical activity's positive effects on mental health are similar across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders and people with chronic disease.

Among other key findings were that higher intensity physical activity is associated with greater improvements in symptoms.

However, the effectiveness of exercise interventions seems to diminish with longer-duration interventions.

Physical interventions that were 12 weeks or shorter were the most effective at reducing mental health symptoms, highlighting the speed at which physical activity can make a change.

Some methods of exercise were also more effective than others in improving particular conditions.

For example, resistance exercise had the largest effects on depression, while yoga and other mind–body exercises were most effective for reducing anxiety.

According to Lead UOSA researcher, Dr Ben Singh, the result of the research mean that exercise should be adopted as a primary approach for managing mental health issues, such as depression.

“We found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga,” Singh said.

“We’re confident that if physical activity interventions were adopted, we would see a definite positive impact on symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress.”

To read the full report, click here for the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The benefits of exercise to mental health have been well-documented for decades and the health and fitness industry has consistently made the case for physical activity to be used in treating depression and anxiety.

Evidence of this can be found in previous issues of HCM. In 2005, we reported on a campaign by The Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness about the effectiveness of exercise in preventing and treating mental health problems.

In 2010, a team from the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) at King's College London and academics from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the University of Bergen found that people who participate in regular physical activity outside work are not as likely to show signs of depression as those who don't.

Related features

Research: Personal choice

HCM Handbook 2023 issue 1
The pandemic sparked a change of priorities and how many people regard physical activity. ClubIntel shares its findings into what fitness consumers now want, lifting the lid on who are the casual consumers, fitness explorers, routine junkies and wellness lovers.

Industry insights: The next pandemic

HCM Handbook 2023 issue 1
Mental health scores have dived along with bank balances in the last few years. Dr Colin Bryant from ACE says this presents an opportunity for the industry to step up provision so mental health is cared for as well as physical.

Latest news

Physical activity levels among children and young people have improved compared to five years ago,
Global mindful movement specialist Sanctum will debut in the US in 2024 thanks to a
Google has just released Gemini, a new multimodal AI which is being billed as a
The world’s first certification for fitness professionals to support mental wellbeing will be launched early
Survivalist, Bear Grylls has partnered with four mental health heavyweights and former TV producer, Neil
An Independent Commission for Healthier Working Lives, supported by the Health Foundation, is being established
Innovatise UK Ltd
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TechnoAlpin S.p.A.
TechnoAlpin S.p.A.
1 - 20 of 12,300
HCM promotional features
Promotion
Virgin Active operates in the premium space and Technogym supports that vision through the quality of its equipment, its innovation, digital developments, and research
HCM promotional features
Promotion
Mars Athletic in Turkey turned to Life Fitness and Myzone to create a compelling new HIIT zone for its clubs
HCM promotional features
Promotion
Rob Cunningham, director of leisure at BH Live, explains the positive impact Orbit4 is having on the organisation
HCM promotional features
Promotion
ServiceSport UK has partnered with cutting edge outfit, Upholstery2u, to expand its upholstery repair services, enabling operators to keep their gyms in perfect working order
HCM promotional features
Promotion
Loughborough University set out to expand its Powerbase gym to support people both with and without disabilities equally, as Gregory Bradley explains
HCM promotional features
Promotion
A new integration between Xplor Gym and Technogym’s Mywellness CRM powers highly personalised member experiences
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Cheriee Wales reports from the recent Fitronics and Proinsight ConnectCX conference and CoursePro Summit
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
LFX customisable experiences are the next step in the evolution of the Life Fitness functional training offering
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Equipment designer and manufacturer, BLK BOX has spent ten years gearing up for global growth. Founder Greg Bradley tells Julie Cramer all the pieces are now in place for rapid growth
HCM promotional features
HCM magazine
Around 85 per cent of disease is epigenetic/preventable and exercise is one of the most effective ways of delivering prevention. Can the industry shout loudly enough about this to be heard?
HCM magazine
We launched in the UK as soon as we were able and it was the perfect timing, as it’s flying now
HCM magazine
Regular physical activity has been linked to a 43 per cent reduction in mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, a study from Australia shows
HCM magazine
Many living in rural areas are missing out on fitness, as the standard gym model doesn’t work with low population densities. Kath Hudson asks how public and private sectors can broaden their reach
HCM magazine
Learning and practising functional movements is a great way to get fitter. Steph Eaves investigates the skill-based training movement
HCM magazine
HCM People

Liz Clark

CEO and president, IHRSA
Health and fitness is an industry I really believe in and I felt it was not being treated respectfully
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The 2023 IHRSA Global Report shows a positive long-term outlook for the industry, as operators navigate challenges and embrace growth, says Jeff Solsby
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We’re gearing up for global expansion through joint ventures with our retail partners
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Fuel the debate about issues across the industry and share your ideas and experiences. We’d love to hear from you. [email protected]
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The founder of Myzone and one of the fitness industry’s most visionary entrepreneurs talks to Kath Hudson about how he deals with adversity
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Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: SKILLCOURT's groundbreaking tech is now available in the UK
SKILLCOURT is an intelligent laser-based training and diagnostic tool to promote both motor and cognitive development in patients, athletes and children.
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: The power of palm cooling – the next major cold therapy trend
The performance benefits of cold therapy have filtered from professional sports into the mainstream consumer in recent years.
Company profiles
Company profile: Active IQ
Active IQ is the UK’s leading Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation for the Physical Activity sector....
Company profiles
Company profile: Keiser UK LTD
For more than four decades, Keiser has influenced the training of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and ...
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
Featured press releases
Active IQ press release: Active IQ wins Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year at 2023 FAB Awards
Active IQ’s ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet’ sustainability strategy has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Featured press releases
Balanced Body press release: Reformer Pilates joins the party at premium London fitness boutique
Combining art, design and fitness to deliver an inspiring and progressive experience that strengthens both body and mind, high-end boutique brand, BLOK has added Reformer Pilates to its offer at two of its four studios.
Directory
Independent service & maintenance
Servicesport UK Limited: Independent service & maintenance
Salt therapy products
Himalayan Source: Salt therapy products
Spa software
SpaBooker: Spa software
Cryotherapy
MECOTEC GmbH: Cryotherapy
Digital
SpiviTech: Digital
Flooring
Total Vibration Solutions / TVS Sports Surfaces: Flooring
Property & Tenders
Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2NU
Savills
Property & Tenders
Grantham, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle
Property & Tenders
Diary dates
06-08 Feb 2024
Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, United Kingdom
Diary dates
11-14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Centre , Cologne, Germany
Diary dates
30 May - 02 Jun 2024
Rimini Exhibition Center, Rimini, Italy
Diary dates
08-08 Jun 2024
Worldwide, Various,
Diary dates
11-13 Jun 2024
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, Singapore
Diary dates
22-25 Oct 2024
Messe Stuttgart, Germany
Diary dates
04-07 Nov 2024
In person, St Andrews, United Kingdom
Diary dates
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