Physical exercise has long been promoted as a means of enhancing or restoring physical health. However, it has become increasingly recognized that exercise has important beneficial effects on mental health. This presentation will provide a broad overview of research findings regarding the psychological effects of exercise, with an emphasis on practical information.
Findings from research on the psychological impact of different types of both land and water-based exercise will be summarized, as will information in who is most and least likely to benefit psychologically. The potential means by which exercise affects mental health will be also be presented, as will evidence that exercise may sometimes have detrimental psychological effects.
