Although there are limitations to existing research on exercise
as a treatment for depression, a great deal of evidence
suggests that it is benefi cial to patients with depression;
therefore, many clinicians are interested in recommending
exercise to their depressed patients. Clinicians who wish
to encourage their patients with depression to exercise
should consider recommending moderate-intensity exercise
(eg, brisk walking at 3–4 miles/h, stationary cycling
at 50–100 W) for a total of at least 150 min/wk (consistent
with recommended public health guidelines). They can
also recommend that patients work with a fi tness professional
(preferably one certifi ed by a national organization
such as the American College of Sports Medicine) who
may be helpful to them as they develop and maintain an
exercise program, particularly as they begin a program