Run Clubs: The Mental Health Therapy That Rivals Medication

Fitness expert Leisel Fame recently highlighted groundbreaking research showing that group running sessions can match medication's effectiveness in treating anxiety and depression.

This study reveals that run clubs offer far more than social exercise—they deliver serious mental health benefits.

The Science Behind the Stride

A 14-week study involving 141 participants compared anti-anxiety medication with group-based running therapy. The results were remarkable:

• Participants taking antidepressants experienced 48% improvement in their mental state
  
  
• Those in group running therapy showed 43% improvement
  
  
• The running group gained additional physical health benefits including improved weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability—advantages not seen in the medication-only group
  
  

It's essential to note that this research doesn't suggest abandoning prescribed medications. Leisel emphasizes consulting healthcare professionals before changing any medication routine or beginning new exercise programs, particularly for previously sedentary individuals.

Collaborating with both running coaches and medical professionals to create a safe rollout plan is strongly recommended.

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More Than Miles: The Complete Wellness Package

Group running's benefits extend well beyond physical fitness, creating a comprehensive support system that significantly enhances mental well-being:

Building ConnectionsGroup runs actively fight isolation—a major contributor to anxiety and depression—by creating genuine community bonds.

Statistics show 59% of runners made new friendships through their run club in 2024, while 22% joined primarily for social connection rather than training.

Some even discover romantic relationships, with 5% of runners reporting romantic connections through their clubs.

Boosting MotivationThe collective energy within a group creates powerful motivation, pushing individuals to improve their performance beyond what they might achieve alone.

Developing Mental StrengthWorking through physical discomfort during runs, especially for beginners, helps people reframe their stress responses and build psychological resilience.

Creating Structure

Scheduled group activities provide crucial routine and accountability, essential for maintaining mental health progress. Having accountability partners keeps individuals engaged and motivated over time.

Embracing the "Run Club Therapy" Mindset

Leisel encourages viewing run clubs as more than exercise—they're about purposeful movement toward resilience, mindfulness, and mental clarity.

This approach can include building rituals like morning runs with friends, coaches, or participating in virtual check-ins many clubs now offer.

Setting meaningful goals, whether learning to complete a 5K or simply walking the distance, plays a crucial role.

Celebrating every run and milestone matters, as comparing yourself to others can trigger "running imposter syndrome."

Leisel stresses staying in your own lane—both literally and figuratively—while being your biggest supporter to overcome self-doubt.

Most run clubs accommodate different fitness levels with fast, medium, and social pace groups, allowing everyone to find their comfortable starting point and progress gradually.

The Verdict on Movement Medicine

With run clubs providing such significant mental and physical health benefits, they represent a dynamic and effective form of therapy that's both socially enriching and personally empowering.

While not a replacement for professional medical care, group running offers a accessible, community-driven approach to supporting mental wellness that anyone can explore.

Source: CapeTalk

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.