Depression can affect anyone at any time. It’s more than just feeling sad or having the blues. It’s a clinical problem that requires treatment. Depression can come from mental or physical issues, so always check with your healthcare professional when you experience symptoms. Exercise, no matter what the type, can help depression. It’s become an adjunct therapy that works better than some medications. The more intense the exercise, the better. The body can’t operate at peak intensity for very long. It’s why HIIT exercises are so beneficial. It alternates the intensity between peak and recovery pace.
HIIT boosts circulation.
Exercise of any type helps with depression. Adding walks to your day can help. Studies show that even weightlifting can improve self-image. The faster you walk, the better the results. That’s because the more rapid the walk, the more it increases your respiration and heart rate. That increases circulation and sends nutrient and oxygen-laden blood throughout the body, including the brain. Increased intensity also triggers natural pain relievers that make you feel calm and at ease, like serotonin. The increased oxygen and nutrients help heal damaged brain cells and trigger new neural pathway creation.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid—GABA—and glutamate are neurotransmitters that work together.
People with depression often have an imbalance of brain chemicals. GABA and glutamate are two of those. GABA calms the brain, and glutamate stimulates it. Balance is vital to people with severe depression and improves their mood. Increasing GABA may be perfect for someone with mild depression. HIIT also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor—BDNF. BDNF regulates mood. HIIT has shown beneficial for depression, anxiety, and mood-related disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
You may not be up to a HIIT workout.
Not everyone can run at peak speed for even a minute. That doesn’t mean they can’t use HIIT. You can modify walking to create HIIT workouts. Walk as fast as possible for a few seconds and then reduce your pace to a recovery one to catch your breath. It’s all about adjusting your speed and pushing hard for short periods. As you get fitter, you can either increase peak speed, extend the period of peak performance, or shorten recovery time.
- HIIT workouts and all types of exercise have cumulative benefits. You’ll feel better when you do, but the feeling lasts longer and is more intense the more often you do it.
- HIIT benefits also improve heart health more rapidly. You’ll boost endurance quicker and spend less time exercising using HIIT workouts.
- HIIT can burn off stress hormones like cortisol. Stress and depression are bidirectional. Stress may cause depression, which causes depression to create more stress. Eliminating stress can help lift depression.
- The physical benefits of HIIT workouts can lead to improved mood and reduced depression. You’ll have more energy and look better. Your posture improves with exercise. All those things make you feel better.
For more information, contact us today at VIP Fitness Center