| John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, would | | | | suffered from work related stress and depression. |
| have arguably one of the most stressful and | | | | Fortunately I was [and still am] a keen tennis player. |
| demanding jobs in the country. Yet he still finds time for | | | | The simple action of stepping onto the court, the hard, |
| his daily fitness walk. He regards exercise and fitness | | | | competitive physical activity and the camaraderie of |
| as an important part of his daily timetable and sticks to | | | | other players, did wonders for my sense of wellbeing. |
| this morning schedule no matter where he is. This | | | | AEROBIC EXERCISES. |
| message from the top highlights the critical importance | | | | Several types of aerobic exercise have been found to |
| of exercise in combating stress, anxiety and | | | | reduce the symptoms of depression including running, |
| depression. | | | | cycling, jogging, swimming or going for a 20 minute |
| We all know how important exercise is for weight loss, | | | | walk. These types of activities may not be appropriate |
| cardiovascular health, combating diabetes and | | | | for some older adults. Gardening or a short walk |
| maintaining a high level of fitness. Our bodies are | | | | around the block may be more suitable for those in |
| designed to be active and any program that enhances | | | | this age group. In older people, exercise has been |
| this is beneficial to our health. Activities that boost our | | | | found to be just as beneficial as antidepressant |
| fitness can range from gardening and walking to | | | | medication or social contact according to Beyond Blue. |
| sports including tennis and swimming up to the | | | | STRENGTH TRAINING. |
| extreme sports, including high altitude mountain climbing. | | | | Strength training and weights can also reduce some |
| According to exercise physiologist Chris Tzar, exercise | | | | symptoms of depression. |
| is now considered a primary treatment for mild and | | | | According to Edith Cowan University exercise science |
| moderate depression. Jeff Kennett, a former Premier | | | | professor Robert Newton, the most convincing |
| of Victoria, is now chairman of Beyond Blue, an | | | | research to date showed high intensity weight lifting |
| Australian depression initiative. He also stresses the | | | | resistance training was far superior in curbing anxiety |
| importance of exercise and fitness in beating | | | | and depression than either low intensity training or just |
| depression. "Whether you walk, swim, play golf or go | | | | remaining on the couch. |
| hang gliding, I don't care, but physical fitness is terribly | | | | In an Australian study published in the Journal of |
| important to our wellbeing," he says. | | | | Gerontology in 2005, high intensity strength training was |
| WHY IS EXERCISE SO IMPORTANT? | | | | shown to reduce depression as effectively as drug |
| There are a number of theories about the | | | | therapy. There is growing evidence that strength |
| mechanisms behind exercise therapy to treat | | | | training should be offered as a primary treatment for |
| depression. Some suggest exercise increases the | | | | depression in older adults. It provides additional benefits |
| release of endorphins and other "feel good" hormones | | | | including strengthening bones [better osteoporosis |
| that have a similar uplifting effect to prescription | | | | management], preventing falls and managing arthritis. |
| antidepressants. Others believe that exercise develops | | | | Finally, before commencing any exercise program, it is |
| greater self confidence and enables people to develop | | | | important that you discuss your plans with your doctor. |
| new relationships. | | | | You may like to consider a tailored exercise program |
| Exercise can also create a diversion, taking the | | | | with an exercise physiologist. |
| individual's mind off his/her problem. Some years ago, I | | | | |