Why your winter workouts might not have the benefits you’d think

Exercising for mental health? Science says you might be doing it wrong.

We’ve all heard the advice that exercise will make you feel better.

However, new research has shed light on that old saying, revealing that it’s not just any workout that benefits your mental health, but rather the context surrounding it.

It turns out, it’s less about how hard you work up a sweat and more about why you’re moving, who you’re with, and how you feel about it.

In other words, that 6am jog around your local streets on a cold winter’s morning might not actually be the best workout for your mind.

Context is king

The study from the University of Georgia found that where, how, and who with, makes all the difference when it comes to exercise and mental health.

“Historically, physical activity research has focused on how long someone exercises or how many calories were burned,” said Patrick O’Connor, co-author of the study.

“The ‘dose’ of exercise has been the main way researchers have tried to understand how physical activity might influence mental health, often ignoring whether those minutes were spent exercising with a friend or as part of a game.”

Not all exercise has been shown to boost your mental health. Picture: iStock

The study found that people who regularly exercise for leisure get improved mental health benefits, such as lower levels of depression and anxiety.

But if physical activity comes from chores like cleaning the house or mowing the lawn, it may not offer the same benefits.

Mr O’Connor also gave an example of a soccer player’s mental state while playing a game, which can vary greatly depending on the outcome.

For instance, scoring the winning goal might boost confidence, but missing a shot and getting the blame might lead to negative feelings that counteract any mental health benefits you might have gotten from exercising.

Therefore, the context of an activity affects a person’s emotional response, even if the actions are similar.

Other examples include walking to work on a hot day (which is not necessarily enjoyable) versus taking a group workout class where you really like the instructor’s style (which is more likely to benefit your mental health).

Factors that are more important than exercising alone include who you’re with and whether or not you enjoy the workout. Picture: iStock

So, why do these factors matter?

According to sports psychologist Dr Jo Lukins, who has spent decades uncovering what really keeps Aussies active, humans are “continually seeking meaning”.

“Therefore, part of our decision-making in any area of our lives revolves around the motivations we have and the circumstances we face,” Dr Lukins tells news.com.au.

“Humans are deeply social beings, and often seek human contact through physical activity.”

Sometimes this contact is direct – for example, going for a walk with a friend – and other times it’s indirect, such as walking along a waterfront where there are other people around.

Enjoyment is another crucial factor.

Research has shown that the main reason children stop participating in sport is a loss of joy.

So, Dr Lukins says it’s no surprise that as adults, we also need a fun element in our exercise to stay interested and committed.

Humans are social creatures, so working out with a friend can help motivate you and make you enjoy your workout more. Picture: iStock

How to motivate yourself to exercise

With winter weather set in across the country, even thinking about exercise can feel like a challenge.

Dr Lukins’ top tip is to ditch the rule book and find exercise that’s actually fun, and do it with a friend if you can.

“Be curious and creative when making your decisions,” she advises.

“Maybe there’s a dance class you’ve always wanted to try, or you could take a long walk in a museum or explore indoor spaces like a shopping centre.”

Originally published as Why your winter workouts might not have the benefits you’d think