Physical activity and the promotion of psychological well-being

Although it is clear that the case for exercise in reducing physical illness is well established, there has also been a growing interest in the contribution of exercise to the alleviation of the problems of mental illness. Specifically, there has been increasing consideration of the role of exercise as

• a therapy for the treatment of mental illness and disorders; • a means of coping and managing mental illness; • a means of improving quality of life for the mentally ill; and • a means of preventing the onset of mental health problems.