Study suggests using HIIT to improve mental well-being

An idea that is solid practice can benefit your mind is nothing new: even Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha, encouraged his followers to ‘keep the body in good health… Otherwise, we will not be able to extinguish the lamp of wisdom and keep our mind strong and clear’.

Although many of us have long sensed the value of physical activity in maintaining our own mental health, it is difficult to quantify its psychological effects. Exercise is used to treat those suffering from clinical anxiety, and a Harvard study found that increasing our activity levels can cut our odds of depression by more than a quarter – but how CrossFit WOD, say, compared to conventional medical interventions?

See you again analysis of 1039 experiments conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia finally gave a figure on the mentality of training health uses. According to the study’s lead author, going to the gym can be 1.5 times more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy or even medication. What’s more, high-intensity activity in short bursts has been found to be most effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress, suggesting that tackling a tough 15 minutes dumbbell a track might be more constructive than yoga or a leisurely run. Therapy and prescription drugs will, of course, remain lifelines for many – but it’s good to know that earnings because the body can strengthen the mind at the same time. How’s that for enlightened thinking?

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HAVE study of 13 men found that caffeine can improve motivation to exercise. By increasing ‘willingness to exert effort’ and reducing perceived exertion, it helped athletes persevere in exercise for longer.