Mood alterations in mindful versus aerobic exercise modes.
The results of most recent studies have generally indicated an improvement in mood after participation in aerobic exercise. However, only a few researchers have compared mindful modes of exercise with aerobic exercise to examine the effect of 1 single session of exercise on mood. In the present study, the authors assessed state anxiety, depressive mood, and subjective well-being prior to and following 1 class of 1 of 4 exercise modes: yoga, Feldenkrais (awareness through movement), aerobic dance, and swimming; a computer class served as a control. Participants were 147 female general curriculum and physical education teachers (mean age = 40.15, SD = 0.2) voluntarily enrolled in a 1-year enrichment program at a physical education college. Analyses of variance for repeated measures revealed mood improvement following Feldenkrais, swimming, and yoga but not following aerobic dance and computer lessons. Mindful low-exertion activities as well as aerobic activities enhanced mood in 1 single session of exercise. The authors suggest that more studies assessing the mood-enhancing benefits of mindful activities such as Feldenkrais and yoga are needed.
Netz
Yael
Y
School of Physical Education, The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel. neyael@macam.ac.il
Lidor
Ronnie
R
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013550:Swimming; D015013:Yoga