Shepanski, M. A., Hoffman, M. D., Ruble, S. B., Valic, Z., Buckwalter, J. B., & Clifford, P. S. (2001). Habitual exercise is associated with exercise-induced mood enhancement. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 954.

Mood (POMS) was studied before and after exercise in habitual exercisers (M = 4; F = 4; exercise 15 times per month) and non-exercisers (M = 4; F = 4; exercise less that five times per month). Mood was assessed after treadmill exercises of varying duration and intensities, 5 minutes before and 30 minutes after post-exercise rest.

Exercisers improved in mood after several exercise conditions: 10 minutes of exercise at 75% VO2max, 30 minutes at 50% VO2max, and 30 minutes at 75% VO2max. There was no significant effect in non-exercisers. Mood improved in post-exercise recovery in habitual exercisers.

Implication. Mood improves in post-exercise recovery in habitual exercisers but not in non-exercises. One has to be a regular exerciser to experience mood alterations after extended exercise.

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