Promoting exercise for positive mental health? Here’s why it’s not inclusive, and it may also be wrong.

Let’s be clear. I’m not saying that exercise isn’t good for mental health.  I’m saying that when talking about exercise for mental health, it needs to be clear that physical activity is the key factor, and that exercise is only one form of physical activity and that not all exercise is helpful.

Focusing solely on regimented exercise can be limiting, and even discouraging, for many people when it comes to mental health.   Narratives around exercise often paint a picture of expensive gym memberships, intense workouts, and a specific body type. This can alienate a large portion of the population who may not identify with that image.

Also, many gyms are generally not known for being inclusive settings for those with physical and mental disabilities for a variety of reasons. Exercising by taking part in sporting activities then can become competitive and self-defeating.

Exercise can also be inaccessible because of cost, environmental logistics or domestic arrangements.  Is the area you live in safe? Do you have transport? Childcare? Money? And so on.

I’ve already talked about exercise and sport becoming competitive which can be damaging to mental health.  When you set targets and goals, these can become all encompassing and damaging and lead to self-criticism.  People can push themselves to exercise when injured which is harmful – I’ve already written about how physical strength is not an indicator of physical health.

We need to talk about physical activity being the aim to be more inclusive.  Studies have found that even small bursts of activity throughout the day can significantly impact your health.   Exercise is a specific subcategory of physical activity, typically planned, structured, and designed to improve fitness. Physical activity, on the other hand, is the broader term encompassing any movement and that physical activity is what’s good for your mental and physical health.

Dancing in your kitchen, gardening, playing with your pet – these are all ways to get your body moving and reap the mental health benefits.  Involving physical activity with social interaction increases the positive impact! Physical activity, regardless of intensity, releases endorphins – our body’s natural mood elevators – which can combat stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression.

If you do talk about exercising for mental health, make sure you specify how it can be damaging.  How habit can turn to obsession.  Here are some indicators:

• Exercise addiction: You feel anxious or guilty if you miss a workout, even due to illness or injury.
• Overtraining: Pushing yourself too hard, even when you’re exhausted or injured.
• Focus on punishment: Using exercise as a way to punish yourself for perceived shortcomings or ‘overeating’.
• Social isolation: Sacrificing social activities and relationships to prioritise workouts.
• Neglecting other areas of life: Letting work, hobbies, and sleep suffer because of exercise.
• Body image concerns: Focusing on appearance and weight loss can fuel negative body image.

By using the term physical activity instead of exercise,  we create a more inclusive approach to mental well-being. Remember, it’s about finding ways to move your body in a way that feels good for you.