Neuroscientist Jennifer Heisz says her research shows that the best exercise for mental health is a low-intensity workout.

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But there are powerfulmental health benefitsof exercise as well.

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Neuroscientist Jennifer Heisz, PhD, is an associate professor in the department of kinesiology at McMaster University, and author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind.

However, theres also a chance that your workout isincreasingyour stress.

To be clear, stress is not inherently bad.

However, too much stress damages the body and mind.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Dr. Heisz sayspeople with anxietyare particularly prone to finding vigorous exercise intolerable.

These physical sensations of anxiety are evoked by vigorous exercise.

How does low-intensity exercise improve mental health?

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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Dr. Heisz says this helps create space between you and your negative thoughts.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Neuroscientist Jennifer Heisz, PhD, is an associate professor in the department of kinesiology at McMaster University, and author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind.

Research from my NeuroFit lab shows that interval walking improves memory more than regular walking, says Dr. Heisz.

It is like exposure therapy for people with anxiety sensitivity, she notes.

See if it’s possible for you to commit tojust 10 minutes a dayto start.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Make it a routine and give a shot to get your walk in daily.

Your body and brain will thank you.

Walking not for you?

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

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