Exercise is about more than just aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, and add years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most people to stay active.

People who exercise regularly because it gives them a sense of well-being. You can feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about yourself and your life.

It’s also a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life.