Developed in the 1960s by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, aerobics (once “the” star of gyms!) Has now been dethroned by zumba, fitness and even aquabiking.
However, this dynamic discipline deserves to be (re) discovered: it makes all the muscles of the body work (great for fine-tuning everywhere), strengthens the heart (ideal for preventing cardiovascular disease), boosts the immune system ( and helps fight against “bad” cholesterol), helps us stay thin (by burning around 500 Kcal in the space of an hour) … In short, that’s good!
According to a new study conducted by the University of Thessaly (Greece), 3 sessions of 45 minutes of aerobics per week may even be beneficial in cases of depression.
Effects similar to drug treatments for depression
Greek researchers (under the supervision of Dr. Ioannis D. Morres, main author of this work published in the specialized journal Depression and Anxiety) followed a group of 455 adults aged 18 to 65 suffering from depression for 9 weeks.
Verdict? At a rate of 3 sessions per week, aerobics exhibited similar effects to drug treatments intended to overcome depression … less side effects! “We encourage all people who suffer from depression to practice regular physical activity – aerobics for example,” say the researchers. Message received !
To read :
44 genetic mutations linked to depression
One in 3 adults take medicines that make you depressed
Depression: different men and women
