Developed in the 1960s by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, aerobics (formerly “the” star of the gyms!) has today been dethroned by zumba, fitness or even aquabiking.
However, this dynamic discipline deserves to be (re)discovered: it makes all the muscles of the body work (great for getting refined everywhere), strengthens the heart (ideal for preventing cardiovascular disease), boosts the immune system ( and helps to fight against “bad” cholesterol), helps us to stay slim (by burning about 500 Kcal in the space of an hour)… In short, that’s good!
According to a new study conducted by the University of Thessaly (in Greece), 3 sessions of 45 minutes of aerobics per week could even be beneficial in case of depression.
Effects similar to drug treatments for depression
The Greek researchers (under the direction 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 had effects similar to drug treatments intended to overcome depression…minus the side effects! “We encourage all people who suffer from depression to practice regular physical activity – aerobics for example” specify the researchers. Message received !
To read :
44 genetic mutations linked to depression
One in 3 adults takes medication that makes you depressed
Depression: men and women are different
