The BEST Type of Exercise for Depression According to Research
Written by 
Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on
May 17, 2023
The form, frequency, and duration of exercise that can optimize your mental health
In this episode, I run through a series of high-quality studies that provide insight to: what is the best type of exercise for depression?
It’s no secret that there are many ways that exercise benefits your physical health, from improving your heart health to reducing the risk of disease.
Knowing its power to improve physical health, it’s worth hearing if it could be as effective or even more effective than drug therapies and other interventions to improve your mental health, and how to tap into those benefits.
Tune in to the episode to hear how you can use exercise to optimize your mood.
Featured Studies
- https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195.long
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36796860/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257806/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27486153/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26643054/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9685718/
Related Sources
- My fitness burnout story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_2jc71H5Q
- Talking to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon about protein and muscle health: https://drruscio.com/protein-intake-is-crucial-for-your-health/
Continue Learning
- Courses, free guides, and more: https://drruscio.com/resources?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=drruscio.com_resources
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:49 Why Exercise Impacts Mood
03:28 Ideal Frequency & Intensity
05:03 How to Find Your Intensity
06:57 A Word of Caution
07:58 Exercise: The Physiological Explanation
09:55 How to Start AND Fine-Tune
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.
Music featured in this video: “Modern Technology” by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g
*Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the “Show transcript” button on the bottom right of the video.
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Dr. Michael Ruscio is a DC, natural health provider, researcher, and clinician. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport and has published numerous papers in scientific journals as well as the book Healthy Gut, Healthy You. He also founded the Ruscio Institute of Functional Health, where he helps patients with a wide range of GI conditions and serves as the Head of Research.
➕ Dr. Ruscio’s Notes
the best type of exercise for depression
➕ Resources & Links
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Discussion
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