# 399. The psychology of exercise

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/399-the-psychology-of-exercise
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/399-the-psychology-of-exercise.md
Podcast: [The Psychology of your 20s](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262)
Published: 2026-03-23T17:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/the-psychology-of-your-20-s/399-the-psychology-of-exercise
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/f842d9/podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/bc44988a-a82a-4291-ab8b-afdd01187fa8/7abdcee9-1f44-4010-9599-b4100144fa42/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=39e2f432-53df-43b8-a7b9-afdd01187fc4
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/episodes/399-the-psychology-of-exercise
Duration seconds: 2877

## Resource

  We all know exercise is ‘good for us’, but why is it that a walk can calm your brain, why a workout can feel like emotional release, or why movement can become either self-care or self-punishment. In this episode, we unpack the psychology of exercise – what’s happening to our brains over time, where the ‘exercise as antidepressants’ claim came from, and what happens when it crosses into obsession. We explore: •        The role of endorphins and endocannabinoids •        How movement can regulate our emotions •        Identity and motivation in exercise •        How exercise changes our brains •        The role of exercise in treating depression •        How to build a healthier relationship with exercise Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @ thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com   Our favourite sources:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10813489/ https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/2/101.abstract https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/126190 The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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