Physical Activity and Exercise: Implications for Counselors

For several decades, researchers have discussed the potential of physical exercise as a mental health intervention. Exercise has often been identified as a key to increasing the quality of life and longevity and has been correlated with many aspects of human health, including mental health. Researchers have sought to gain a better understanding of the relationship that exists between exercise and anxiety, depression, mood, self-concept, and other personality factors. Researchers in the field have suggested that a single physical exercise intervention might be able to enhance both the physical and mental health of clients; however, until recently, problems with experimental design and inconsistent results limited the applicability of many studies, and very few studies were longitudinal. REVIEW OF ARTICLE During the last 10 years, there have been a number of important studies that examined the relationship between physical activity and physical and mental well-being. In a recent issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Dubbert (2002) provided an informative and thorough review of relevant studies. Her article covered the following topics: (a) current suggestions for physical activity and health, (b) physical and mental health benefits of physical activity, (c) theoretical models for the examination of physical activity and exercise, (d) participation in physical activity and adherence to guidelines, (e) advances in the evaluation of physical activity, (f) interventions to increase physical activity in home and community settings, and (g) recommendations and future directions. Following is a review of Dubbert's article, along with some implications for counselors and the counseling profession that we drew from the article. Current Suggestions for Physical Activity and Health Dubbert (2002) reported that there is growing recognition of the importance of moderate levels of physical activity for health. One example that she gave was the release of the first Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health in 1996. According to Dubbert, this report concluded that physical activity of a moderate intensity level has important health benefits and that higher intensity levels of physical activity should be promoted for individuals willing and able to exercise at that level. Dubbert (2002) reviewed several of the other important activity statements and recommendations that have been made during the last 10 years. For instance, Fletcher et al. (as cited in Dubbert, 2002) reported that the American Heart Association concluded in 1992 that physical inactivity (along with smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol) was one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Other important recommendations that were reviewed included one made by The American College of Sports Medicine (Pate et al., as cited in Dubbert, 2002), which emphasized the importance of individuals' incorporating physical activity into their lives as a way to promote health. Also stressed was the importance of physical activity in retaining functional abilities, preventing falls, and promoting both psychological and cognitive functioning for older adults. Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity Physical benefits. In reviewing the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, Dubbert (2002) noted that moderate-to-high levels of physical fitness were associated with a longer life span. Furthermore, she noted that heart disease is the Number 1 cause of death in the United States and that the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease decreases with increased physical activity level and fitness. She also reported that physical activity might provide protection against some types of cancer (e.g., colon cancer) and was important for maintaining healthy joints. Moreover, she noted that this protection could occur when the activity level was moderate, such as when walking, as well as when the activity was at a level that was more aerobic. …