John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, would probably have one of the most stressful and demanding jobs in the country. Yet he still finds time to go for his daily fitness. He sees in exercise and fitness as an important part of his daily schedule and stick to the morning schedule, no matter where he is. This message from the top emphasizes the crucial importance of exercise in combating stress, anxiety and depression.

We all know how important exercise is for weight loss, cardiovascular health, control diabetes and maintain a high level of fitness. Our bodies are designed to be active and any program that positively enhances our health. Activities that can increase fitness of our garden and walk to sports like tennis and swimming up to the extreme, including high altitude climbing area.

After exercise physiologist Chris Tzar sport is now as primary treatment for mild and moderate depression. Jeff Kennett, former Premier of Victoria, is now Chairman of Beyond Blue, an Australian initiative depression. He also stressed the importance of exercise and fitness in the game against depression. "Whether you're hang gliding hiking, swimming, play golf or go, I do not care, but physical fitness is terribly important for our wellbeing," he says.

WHY IS EXERCISE SO IMPORTANT?

There are a number of theories about the mechanisms behind exercise therapy for treatment of depression. Some propose that exercise increases the release of endorphins and other "feel good" hormones that have a similar effect to be levied prescription antidepressants. Others believe that sports developed more confidence and allows people to develop new relationships.

Exercise can also create a diversion, but the patient always by his / her problem. Several years ago I suffered from work related stress and depression.

Fortunately, I [was and still am] an avid tennis player. The simple action of stepping on the court, the physical hard, non-competitive activities and the camaraderie of the other players, ask my well-being.

Aerobic exercises.

Different types of aerobic exercises are the symptoms of depression such as walking, cycling, jogging reduce, to go swimming or for 20 minutes on foot. These types of measures may not be suitable for all older adults. Garden or a stroll around the block may be more appropriate for the age group in this. In older people, exercise was found to be just as beneficial as antidepressants or social contacts by Beyond Blue.

Strength training.

Strength training and weights can also reduce some symptoms of depression.
According to Edith Cowan University Exercise Science Professor Robert Newton, who showed the most convincing research to date, high intensity weight lifting weight training was far superior in the removal of anxiety and depression as a low intensity training or just on the couch.

In an Australian study published in the Journal of Gerontology in 2005, had been very intense strength training to reduce depression as effectively as drug therapy. There is growing evidence that strength training should be offered as primary treatment of depression in older adults. It provides additional benefits, including strengthening of bones [better osteoporosis management], the prevention of falls and management of arthritis.

Finally, before starting the exercise program, it is important that you discuss your plans with your doctor. You might want to consider a customized training program with an exercise price physiologists.

Editor Tips

Get advice from your doctor before beginning an exercise plan and start slowly, working to build over the entire disc, one meeting at a time. In addition, take care when choosing the type of exercise DVD that will work best for you. Start with simple stretching or isometric exercises for muscle growth and weight loss, without any shocks encouraged.

Endurance is an important element for the activities of daily living, and works with endurance help prevent good posture and back and leg pain. In addition, endurance performance during sporting events can be improved, as well as a man to help them cope with stress of everyday life.

Take a look at your schedule and ask yourself - you will find time to exercise in the morning, afternoon or evening? When is your concentration at the peak? When you feel your best? If you have trouble you up in the morning?