If you feel emotionally lighter after a workout, science increasingly backs that experience. New research shows that physical activity can play a powerful role in easing symptoms of depression, in some cases matching the benefits of medication or therapy.
A large review of clinical evidence analyzed dozens of randomized controlled trials involving thousands of people diagnosed with depression. Many participants were also using antidepressants, allowing researchers to compare outcomes across different treatment approaches. The results were clear: regular exercise consistently improved depressive symptoms.
Why movement improves mood
Exercise influences the same brain chemistry targeted by many antidepressants. Physical activity helps regulate key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which are closely linked to mood and emotional balance. This overlap helps explain why movement can reduce sadness, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.
Beyond chemical changes, exercise also supports brain adaptability. Depression is associated with reduced neuroplasticity, meaning the brain becomes less flexible in forming new connections. Physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, often described as fertilizer for the brain, helping restore its ability to adapt and recover.
Exercise as a core treatment option
Because of its effectiveness, safety, and accessibility, exercise is now recognized in many clinical guidelines as a first-line treatment for depression. Despite this, it remains underused in everyday care. Prescribing medication is often faster and easier than helping someone build an exercise routine, especially when motivation is low.
Experts stress that exercise works best as part of a broader treatment plan. Medication may stabilize mood enough for someone to begin therapy, and movement can then reinforce progress by improving energy, confidence, and resilience.
How much exercise is needed
The research suggests that light to moderate activity can be just as beneficial as intense workouts, particularly at the beginning. Activities that raise the heart rate slightly and cause mild breathlessness are enough to produce meaningful improvements.
Starting small matters. Even transitioning from inactivity to a daily walk can deliver significant benefits. Over time, building toward a mix of aerobic exercise and resistance training appears to offer stronger results than aerobic exercise alone.
Improvements were observed after as few as 13 workout sessions, with benefits continuing through roughly 36 sessions. Long-term effects are still being studied, but early findings are encouraging.
Choosing what works for you
The most effective exercise is often the one you enjoy and can sustain. Options range from walking, jogging, and cycling to yoga, tai chi, or strength training. Group activities may add social benefits, while solo routines can provide structure and calm.
Returning to activities enjoyed earlier in life can also make exercise feel less like a task and more like a reward.
Exercise stands out as a low-cost, widely accessible tool with minimal side effects. Its ability to support mental, emotional, social, and physical health makes it a uniquely powerful ally in managing depression.