IntroductionA.Although most people know about the many physical benefits that result from consistent exercise: 1.More than 60% of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity.2. In addition, 25% of all adults are not active at allB.This is disturbing, not only because so many people are missing out on the physical benefits that result from exercise, but on the mental benefits that result from exercise as wellII. BodyMain Point #1: A great deal of attention has been paid to the relationship between physical fitness and psychological health. The four psychological areas that have been studied the most are: 1) Psychological well-being and mood, 2) personality and self-concept, 3) Psychological stress response, and 4) cognition (i.e.- perception, knowledge, and awareness; thinking)A.Well-Being and Mood (Short & Long term Benefits of Exercise)1.Short Term Benefitsa.The most common result of these studies is that physical activity improves mood and well-being immediately following the exercise.b.[Berger and Owens, 1988]One study examined 170 people. One group attended swimming, fencing, or physical conditioning classes. The second group attended lecture classes where no exercise was involved.i.Questionnaires that were filled out directly before and after the class sessions showed significant mood improvement in the classes where exercise was involved (compared to the non-physical activity classes).2.Long Term Benefitsa.Most of these studies indicate that having a consistent exercise program improves well-being and mood. b.[Moses, et al, 1989]This study examined a random sample of 94 people. They were divided into groups that participated in either a high intensity exercise program, a moderate intensity exercise program, or 1 of 2 control groups that participated in no exercise. i.Results showed significant psychological benefits for both the high intensity and moderate intensity exercise groups. However, the moderate in...
