How Exercise Can Support Your Mental Health

It’s no secret that exercise is good for the body—but did you know it’s also one of the most powerful tools for improving mental health? In fact, more and more Australians are turning to movement as part of their mental health management—and for good reason.

Common Mental Health Conditions We See: and How Common They Are
In our clinic, we often work with individuals managing a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Stress-related burnout
• Sleep disorders

These conditions are far more common than many realise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 2 in 5 Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. That’s nearly 44% of the population.

Why Exercise Works for Mental Health
Exercise shows a strong correlation to improving the following:

• Reduce and managing stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenalin)
• Boost mood through the release of other hormones (like endorphins and serotonin)
• Regulate sleep, which plays a huge role in mental health
• Build routine, which can provide stability and structure
• Enhance self-esteem through feelings of success and achieving physical improvement
• Improvements in cognitive function and memory

Even short bursts of movement can create positive chemical changes in the brain. For people dealing with mental health conditions, this can be a game changer.

What Kind of Exercise Is Best?
The great thing is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and any movement can illicit these above desired responses. Much like other chronic disease and acute illnesses, different types of exercise offer different benefits:

• Cardiovascular exercise (like walking, cycling, or swimming): Has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and boosts energy.
• Strength training: Can improve self-confidence and support emotional regulation.
• Yoga and Pilates: Great for managing stress, anxiety, and improving mindfulness.
• Other Low-impact or gentle movement: Such as stretching or tai chi, can still offer significant calming benefits.
• Team sports or group classes: Help with social connection and combat loneliness.

The key is consistency and choosing something you personally enjoy; that way you’re more likely to stick with it. All these types of exercise can produce feelings of improvement and regularly assessing your success in them can further enhance your ongoing management using exercise as a tool.

How an Exercise Physiologist Can Help
If you’re not sure where to start or how to tailor exercise to your individual needs, a qualified Exercise Physiologist can design a plan that works with your current mental health, physical capacity, and lifestyle.

It’s not just about movement it’s about support, understanding, and making changes at a pace that feels right for you.
(Psst… We might know a friendly team who does exactly that.)

Taking the first step can be hard, especially when you’re not feeling your best—but remember, movement really can be medicine. Whether you’re walking around the block or starting a new gym routine with the support of a professional, every step forward is a step toward better mental health.
If you’d like to explore how tailored exercise can fit into your mental health journey, we’re here to help—quietly, compassionately, and at your pace.

Need Extra Support? You're Not Alone
While exercise is an amazing tool, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
  (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services)
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
  (Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health issues)
• Headspace – 1800 650 890
  (Support for young people aged 12–25)
  

Or try this resource for further reading in more depth than this summary:

• Fact Sheet on the guidelines for exercise as a therapy for mental health conditions - ​https://exerciseright.com.au/mental-health/

Written by
Thomas Harrison