Post #2: a specific source exploring exercise and psychology

In researching whether there are effects of exercise on psychological well being, both psychologists and kinesiologists have found positive effects. In one source, a kinesiology book analyzing physical activity and the various health benefits it has (Hoeger and Hoeger 2006), there is an outline of how physical exercise gives people a psychological boost. According to the source, physical exercise lessens feelings of anxiety, stess, depression, and anger, alleviates insomnia, allows people to meet social needs, and provides opportunity to do something enjoyable. All of these are aspects of psychological well being that have been problems for people that have cost a huge amount of money in the form of pills and other therapies. Many people have trouble in at least one of these areas (stress, anxiety, social problems) but are not aware that simple exercise may alleviate these symptoms. These findings have huge implications for the population because not only would this help individual people, but also the government which spends billions of dollars on psychological health every year. This source is valid as it is used in kinesiology classes but these findings need to be relayed to the general public. In addition, the source lacks discussion of specific studies and instead explains the overall results of exercise.

All these psychological effects from exercise are very important to mental and emotional health, but it seems that they are being ignored. How can the public become more aware of these studies? Maybe by increasing the amount of studies, replicating them, and making this information readily available, people will recognize the need not just to exercise for physical health, but for psychological health as well. Are there any other suggestions for this problem?