Health Report - Separate stories podcast Effects of exercise on depression and anxiety
Feb 13, 2026
Neil Munro, researcher at James Cook University and lead author of a major review, breaks down how exercise affects depression and anxiety. He explains why aerobic work shows the biggest gains for depression. He contrasts shorter, lower-impact programs that suit anxiety. He also highlights the added boost from supervised or group activities and who may benefit most.
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RCTs Without Perfect Placebos
- The review included only randomized controlled trials but acknowledged difficulty creating true exercise placebos.
- Comparison groups often received different exercise types or intensity rather than inert placebos.
Aerobic Exercise Best For Depression
- Aerobic exercise showed the largest effect on depression compared with resistance or mind–body formats.
- Supervised and group activities added benefit, likely via social interaction.
Greater Benefits For Young Adults And Postnatal Women
- Younger adults (18–30) and postnatal females experienced larger benefits from exercise for depression.
- Effects were still present in other groups but appeared amplified in these populations.