Guidelines for Exercise and Mental Health

An expert group in Australia recommended guidelines on contextual factors of physical activity programs to optimize the mental health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity among the general population. The consensus statement provides global guidance to practitioners that create physical activity programs for the general public and are not for treatment of mental illness. Consensus statement authors note that physical activity guidelines address factors related to type and quantity of exercise, but do not address optimization of mental health and wellbeing. Studies show that physical activity type, physical environment, delivery, domain and social environment are all factors that impact mental health benefits.

Here is a summary of the recommended guidelines for exercise and mental health, which facilitators like personal trainers or group exercise instructors can use:

1. TYPE: select the activity type for participants based on the likelihood of adherence and enjoyment;
2. DELIVERY: deliver organized sessions using an instructional style that meets the participants basic needs for autonomy, competence and social connection;
3. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: participate in physical activity with others who provide support, facilitate positive interactions, or make people feel valued, when it does not undermine a preference to be active alone;
4. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: do physical activity outside in pleasant natural environments when and where possible and appropriate; and,
5. DOMAIN: prioritize activities one personally chooses when possible, during leisure-time or via active travel.

The consensus statement is published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2023; doi: 10.1016/j.sams.2023.01.001).

See also: Three Pillars of Mental Health

Question of the Month

Consumers care about better mental health and are interested in mental health benefits of exercise. What, if any, education or insights are you offering clients about how exercise improves mental health for all people, not simply those with clinical mental health issues? What, if any, staff trainings are you offering to educate fitness pros about these important exercise benefits? What has been the response to your initiatives? Tell us about your experiences.

We want to hear from you! Email Joy Keller, jkeller@ideafit.com.

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