The REAL Reason Autistic Adults Avoid Gyms - And It's Not What You Think (Copy)

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"Ignoring exercise as a treatment for depression isn't just a missed opportunity. It might even cross the line into negligence," warns University of Ottawa psychiatrist.

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A massive 2024 study analyzed 218 clinical trials with 14,000+ participants, confirming exercise significantly reduces depression symptoms.

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Walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training all showed moderate effectiveness against depression, with yoga and strength training having the highest adherence rates.

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Instead of vague "get more exercise" advice, experts recommend structured plans using the FITT principle: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type.

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The recommended "prescription": 45-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, 3-5 times weekly—rivaling many medications in effectiveness.

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Some meta-analyses suggest exercise has a "number needed to treat" of approximately 2—meaning for every two patients who follow the regimen, one shows substantial improvement.

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Different exercises benefit different people: strength training may work better for women, while yoga shows special benefits for men and older adults.

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Depression itself creates barriers to exercise. Supervised programs, group settings, and gradual increases help overcome fatigue and motivation issues.

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"If we don't hesitate to prescribe a pill, why do we hesitate with exercise?" asks Dr. Fabiano, calling for systemic changes in medical education and insurance coverage.

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