This course has been designed to introduce practitioners to the general use of physical activity and exercise for the maintenance of mental health and an overview of the literature surrounding the use of physical activity and movement-based interventions for mental health issues. In particular, we will review the efficacy of cardiovascular/aerobic activity, strength and conditioning, and light activity such as Yoga and walking for prevention, therapy, and treatment of mental health issues. Practitioners will be able to assess their client’s current physical activity level and make more appropriate recommendations for increasing physical activity as an empirically supported lifestyle change.

Level: Introductory

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain how and why physical activity is good for mental health.
• Describe the difference between movement, physical activity, and exercise.
• List and differentiate between the three different intensity levels of exercise.
• Assess the client’s level of physical activity compared to Center for Disease Control recommendations.
• Identify what mental health symptoms may be prevented and/or treated with a physical activity intervention.