Mood changes in women after an aerobics class: a preliminary study.

The psychological benefits of physical exercise have been well documented. Acute exercise (typically running) has been reported to improve mood, decrease anxiety, and increase vigor. Aerobics classes are increasing in popularity among women, and to investigate mood changes in women after an aerobics class, we asked 45 high-frequency and 52 low-frequency exercisers to complete a specially devised mood adjective checklist 5 min before and immediately after a class. Principal components analysis revealed three dimensions that emerged on both occasions: Positive Mood, Negative Mood, and Fatigue. Component subscale scores were calculated for each woman for each occasion. Significant differences in mood before and after the class emerged. Increased positive affect and decreased negative affect after the class were reported. Fatigue was also reduced. The high and low exercisers experienced the same degree of mood change.

PMID: 8509320 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]