Why Exercise “Therapy” for Mental Health is Different
Exercise therapy for mental health is gaining recognition as a powerful, evidence-based complement to traditional care. For decades, we’ve treated the mind and body as separate entities. But at Modyfi, we know they are deeply intertwined. While medication and talk therapy are essential tools, we have seen the power of Nutrition Therapy, and there is another powerful pillar often left untapped: Exercise Therapy.
Unlike a standard gym plan, Exercise Therapy at Modyfi is integrated into your clinical care. We tailor movement to your specific condition—whether you’re managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or trauma.
The Science: 2026 Research Milestones
Recent studies have fundamentally changed how we view movement. For example, in January 2026, an updated review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed 73 randomized trials (about 5,000 participants) and found that structured exercise reduces depressive symptoms and appears comparable to antidepressants or psychotherapy. It’s important to note that the certainty of the evidence is technically low, largely due to limited head-to-head trials, but this is something future research can later improve. See below for more research milestones.
How Exercise Works on the Brain
Movement isn’t just about “burning calories”; it’s about changing your brain chemistry. Exercise stiulate key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—similar though not the same as antidepressants—and also releases brain growth factors, one of which is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), often described as “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” These help repair the effects of chronic stress and support long-term resilience. Additionally, endorphins are released which help to lower stress and act as a natural painkiller.
What’s the Recommended “Dose”?
Most studies show meaningful clinical improvement after 13–36 structured sessions.
Mark Ripley CSCS, PPSC, FMS:
Your Guide to Functional Movement
Mark’s approach isn’t just about gym benchmarks or “no pain, no gain.” It is a clinical intervention designed for emotional balance and nervous system regulation.
As Mark explains, the hardest part is starting without the chemicals you’re trying to gain. But once you begin, a “cascade” happens—exercise helps you sleep faster, stay asleep longer, and feel a sense of accomplishment that builds resilience.
Using HSA or FSA Funds
Exercise therapy may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement when deemed medically necessary. With a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a qualified provider, many patients can use pre-tax dollars to cover sessions. Our team can help guide you through this process if needed.
Group Exercise Therapy Options
We offer three levels of Exercise Therapy Groups, designed to meet you where you are and support both physical and mental well-being. Each group is guided by an exercise professional and emphasizes safe, intentional movement within a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Beginner Exercise Therapy Group
Ideal for those new to exercise or returning after time away. This group focuses on gentle, low-impact movement to build confidence, improve mobility, and support nervous system regulation. No prior fitness experience is required.
Intermediate Exercise Therapy Group
Designed for individuals with some exercise experience who are ready to build strength, endurance, and consistency. Sessions include more structured, progressive movement while maintaining a focus on proper form and mental well-being.
Advanced Exercise Therapy Group
For participants with a strong foundation in movement who are ready for higher-level, challenging exercise. This group emphasizes complex, progressive movements to enhance strength, coordination, resilience, and performance.
One-on-One Exercise Therapy
In addition to group sessions, we offer individual (one-on-one) exercise therapy for those who prefer personalized support or have specific goals, injuries, or medical considerations. One-on-one sessions allow for customized programming, focused guidance, and a pace tailored entirely to your needs.
Virtual Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy can be effective both in person and over secure video sessions. Virtual sessions offer flexibility, convenience, and access from anywhere, while still providing real-time coaching, form cues, and accountability. In-person sessions may be beneficial for hands-on guidance, equipment-based exercises, or those who prefer an on-site experience. Both formats can support mental health, physical function, and sustainable movement habits. Currently, Modyfi only offers exercise therapy over secure video sessions.
Book a FREE Informational Session:
More Recent Research Milestones
What the Latest Research Says About Exercise & Mental Health
Research over the past year has continued to strengthen what clinicians have long observed: Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for mental and physical health—often with fewer risks than medication alone.
Even Light Movement Makes a Difference
A 2025 report described physical inactivity as a major national cost driver—estimated at roughly $192B annually in the U.S. through healthcare and related impacts. New findings show that light-intensity movement—not intense workouts—can still promote neural growth and reduce brain inflammation, making exercise more accessible than many people realize.
Research presented at the International Conference on Exercise Interventions (Feb 2026) links muscle-derived proteins (myokines) to slower cognitive decline in later life.
Different Types of Exercise, Different Mental Health Benefits
Recent meta-analyses published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlight that while many forms of exercise improve mood, they offer distinct psychological benefits. Mind-body practices like yoga show promise as an adjunct to treatment, and strength training has evidence for durable improvements over time. The best fit often depends on your preferences, goals, and what you’re most likely to sustain.
Beyond Mental Health: Emerging Benefits
Blood Pressure: One surprising finding was isometric training—like wall sits (wall squats)—ranked among the most effective exercise modes for lowering blood pressure in a large comparative analysis. The least effective was walking—though this does not discount walking’s overall benefit for mental and physical health.
Liver Health: New analyses in Frontiers in Physiology (Feb 2026) confirm resistance training as a primary intervention for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, even without weight loss.
Postpartum Support: Updated 2025–2026 Canadian guidelines now include specific movement and sleep recommendations during the first postpartum year to reduce burnout and protect mental health.
Pro Tip: Mix Your Meds With Movement
Exercise works best as an add-on therapy. If you’re already in therapy, nutrition, or taking medication, adding just 30 minutes of moderate movement three times per week can speed recovery and significantly reduce relapse risk—with far fewer side effects than adding more pharmacologic options.
Bringing It All Together
Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective—and it doesn’t need to be done alone. Research continues to show that structured, supportive movement, especially in a group setting, can meaningfully improve mental health, reduce relapse, and support long-term well-being. Whether you’re just getting started, returning after time away, or looking to deepen an existing routine, the right level of guidance matters.
Our Exercise Therapy options are designed to meet you where you are, with beginner, intermediate, advanced, and one-on-one formats available virtually. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency, sustainability, and care that supports both mind and body.
If you’re curious about where to begin, we’re here to help – Contact Us
References
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Cooney, G. M., et al. (2026). Exercise for depression.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub7/full - British Journal of Sports Medicine
Edwards, J. J., et al. (2023). Isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/20/1317 - Frontiers in Psychiatry
Stubbs, B., et al. (2023). An examination of the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of exercise.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1138205/full - Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep Throughout the First Year Postpartum (2025).
https://csepguidelines.ca/postpartum - National Institutes of Health
Cotman, C. W., & Berchtold, N. C. Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951958/ - EurekAlert!
Physical inactivity linked to hundreds of billions in U.S. healthcare costs.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1092850
