The John W. Brick Foundation has unveiled the Move Your Mental Health Report, a groundbreaking synthesis of over 30 years of scientific research. This landmark report delves into the profound connection between exercise and mental health, presenting a compelling case for integrating holistic practices—like physical activity, nutrition, and mind-body exercises—into mental wellness care.

“Our purpose is integrating salutogenic approaches—such as exercise, nutrition, and mind-body practices—into treating mental illness and promoting mental wellness,” the foundation states. The foundation aims to advance a more integrated and practical approach to mental wellbeing care through funding and promoting research, supporting evidence-based programs, and collaborating with partners.

Exercise and Mental Wellness: What the Research Reveals

The Move Your Mental Health Report examined more than 1,000 scientific studies to highlight how exercise influences mental wellness. It underscores the biological and psychological interplay between physical activity and mental wellness, noting that changes in behavior and thought patterns can profoundly affect neurological, endocrine, and immune systems—and vice versa.

However, despite mounting evidence, holistic interventions like exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness are often underutilized in mental health treatment. Many care providers lack training in these approaches, which leaves a significant gap in treatment strategies for conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress.

The report offers a robust foundation for closing this gap, presenting clear evidence of exercise’s positive impact on mental wellness:

• Depression and Anxiety: Cardiovascular and strength-training exercises at moderate to high intensity performed several times weekly have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety significantly. Exercise works through multiple pathways, including social connection, improved self-efficacy, and biological mechanisms such as releasing mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
• Mindful Movements: Practices like yoga, tai chi, and Qigong, which combine physical activity with mindfulness and stress management, are particularly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
• Protective Role: Regular physical activity not only helps treat mental health challenges but also acts as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of mental illness and supporting long-term mental wellness.

Key Conclusions from the Move Your Mental Health Report

1. Exercise Benefits Mental Health: Overwhelming evidence—89% of peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2022—indicates a statistically significant, positive relationship between physical activity and mental health.
2. Treatment for Depression: Exercise should be a core component of treating individuals with depressive symptoms or major depression.
3. Anxiety Management: Both exercise and mindful movements should be integrated into treatments for anxiety symptoms.
4. Serious Mental Illness: While the evidence is less conclusive for severe mental illnesses, the report emphasizes that exercise may still offer benefits and should not be excluded from treatment considerations.
5. Sustaining Wellness: Beyond treatment, regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining mental well-being over time, acting as a protective factor against the onset of mental illness.

Why This Matters

The connection between physical and mental wellness has never been more apparent, yet traditional mental health care often overlooks these vital links. The Move Your Mental Health Report advocates for a paradigm shift in which exercise and other holistic practices are integral to mental health prevention and treatment strategies.

With mental health conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise globally, there is an urgent need to expand the toolbox available to practitioners. Integrating exercise into treatment plans can provide accessible, cost-effective, and side-effect-free solutions to complement traditional therapies.

The Path Forward

The John W. Brick Foundation, The Mental Wellbeing Association and the Move Your Mental Health Report lay the groundwork for a future where mental wellness is approached holistically. By educating mental wellness providers, fitness professionals, and individuals about the benefits of physical activity, the report offers a roadmap to a healthier, more resilient society.

This research reinforces fitness professionals’ vital role in supporting clients’ mental wellness. As trusted guides in health and wellness, trainers are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement these strategies. Exercise isn’t just about building more muscular bodies—it’s about fostering happier, healthier minds.

By embracing the Move Your Mental Health Report findings, we can unlock exercise’s transformative potential and build a world where mental wellness is within everyone’s reach.

Final Thoughts

The Move Your Mental Health Report is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future where mental wellness is prioritized. By integrating exercise and other holistic practices into our lives, we can unlock the power of our minds and bodies. As fitness professionals, we are privileged and responsible for guiding our clients on this journey, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

About Jessica Maurer
Jessica is a recognized fitness business consultant and strategist focusing on transforming businesses from overwhelmed to organized. Her international presentations, workshops, certifications, and consultations underscore her commitment to helping fitness professionals and businesses realize their full potential. When Jessica takes the stage, she’s sharing fresh ideas and inspiration that spark positive change. Jessica’s international presentations and consultations are about growth, career transformation, overall wellness, and making fitness a joyful journey. Her expertise spans education, program and instructor development, and brand evolution, making her a key player in elevating the industry. Jessica also played a pivotal role in developing the Mental Well-being Association’s certification for Fitness Professionals., always striving to bring a holistic approach to wellness that’s as uplifting as it is effective.

Jessica has presented at prestigious events like IDEA World, Fitnessfest ACSM Health & Fitness Summit, SCW Mania, AsiaFit, and more. She has worked with brands such as FIT4MOM, SFR, BOSU, Lebert Fitness, Savvier Fitness, SCW Fitness, FitSteps, canfitpro, IDEA, and VIBES music. She also has written content for the IDEA Fitness Journal, canfitpro Magazine, Mental Well-being Association, FIT4MOM, Motherly, and more.