This is an account of someone’s experience as a participant of the MOVEMENT study, which is a trial of exercise physiology for improving quality of life in people experiencing mental health challenges (see end of article for more details). The participant chose to remain anonymous for this article.
When he first heard about the MOVEMENT study through his support worker, he was unsure whether it was for him. Group-based programs had never really appealed to him, and it had been more than a decade since he had participated in any structured exercise. While he occasionally used free weights at home and enjoyed walking, formal exercise had largely disappeared from his life as his mental health challenges intensified.
Living with depression and severe anxiety since childhood, and later receiving a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, he had spent many years seeking effective support. He had worked with psychologists, psychiatrists and occupational therapists, and had trialled numerous medications. While many interventions offered some benefit, he says nothing has had the same clear and consistent impact as regular movement.
“It always has the best and clearest results out of anything I’ve ever tried.”
Since joining the MOVEMENT Study, exercise has become much more than a fitness activity. It has provided a foundation for improved mood, motivation and daily functioning. He describes exercise as a “springboard” that helps him engage with life more broadly. Tasks that once felt overwhelming now seem more achievable, and the momentum gained from a workout often carries into other areas of his day.
“If I’m not feeling good, eight times out of ten I feel a hell of a lot better afterwards.”
One of the aspects he values most is the structure of the program. Working with a qualified exercise professional has helped him establish a routine, learn proper technique, and build confidence in exercising safely. While online videos and self-directed exercise can provide guidance, he found that personalised support, encouragement and expert feedback made a significant difference.
The group environment also exceeded his expectations. Having previously felt uncomfortable and judged in traditional gym settings, he was initially apprehensive about attending. Instead, he found a welcoming, inclusive and non-competitive atmosphere.
“Everyone’s at different stages of fitness. It wasn’t intimidating. People were quiet and friendly, and I felt fairly comfortable early on.”
The sessions at a local community gym became a regular part of his week. He particularly appreciated seeing familiar faces, connecting with other participants, and having supportive staff who understood that some days are more challenging than others. Once his 6-month term in the trial concluded, he purchased his own gym membership so he can continue attending at the same time as the group.
The benefits have extended far beyond the gym. Over the past year, he had been applying for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support, which was eventually approved. He reflects that maintaining regular exercise helped him stay motivated and persistent throughout what was often a lengthy and demanding process.
“By maintaining regular exercise, I was more likely to see the NDIS application through. It helped with the motivation.”
Perhaps most striking are the changes he has noticed in his anxiety and confidence. Following exercise sessions, he often feels calmer, less preoccupied by worries, and more comfortable interacting with others.
“I’m more likely to say hello to people. I’m a lot more relaxed. It’s quite an incredible feeling and relief when you have extreme anxiety.”
In describing the effect, he even joked that some sessions felt like “a 5 mg Valium session”, noting that the benefits could sometimes feel stronger than medication, but without unwanted side effects.
Alongside the exercise component, he also valued the educational discussions included in the program. While some topics reinforced information he already knew, he enjoyed the conversational format and found that each session offered new insights that supported his understanding of health and wellbeing.
As the MOVEMENT Study comes to an end, he has no intention of stopping. He plans to continue attending the gym at least twice a week and is looking for new ways to incorporate movement into everyday life, from walking more regularly to finding creative ways to stay active throughout the day.
Reflecting on his experience, his message is simple: movement matters. Not because it solves every problem, but because it provides a powerful foundation for better mental health, greater confidence, and stronger engagement with life.
“If I start moving, that encourages me to do more movement. Getting out and about really helps with mental health. It’s the really small things through to the bigger things that make a difference.”
Note: The MOVEMENT study is funded by a grant from the Medical Research Futures Fund (App ID:2023060). This work is also funded by contribution from the Brisbane North Primary Health Network and Brisbane South Primary Health Network. Further information about the trial can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40667452/