The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we're sharing stories that highlight the mental health benefits of running and other forms of exercise. Find other stories, mental health resources for New Yorkers, and events taking place this month, here.

NYRR’s youth and community programs bring free running and fitness opportunities to communities all over NYC. The benefits of exercise go beyond physical to include mental health benefits, too. 

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked a few participants and leaders in our community programs to share how running and other forms of exercise positively impact their mental health.

Run for the Future

NYRR Run for the Future alumnae Amy Truong (second from left) and Aryaana Khan (third from left).

Run for the Future is a free seven-week program that introduces 11th and 12th grade high school young women to the sport of running and provides lessons in self-care and wellness that introduce a holistic approach to achieving their fitness goals. The program's alumnae feel its benefits years later.

Amy Truong, RFTF Alumna
“You get so much mental clarity”

Amy was a member of NYRR Run for the Future in 2015. “When I go outside and run, I get a breath of fresh air,” said Amy, 25. “Even if I feel like I don’t want to go for a run, when I do go out, I never regret it.”

For Amy, the mental health benefits extend beyond the run itself. “When you’re doing those long miles, you’re able to figure out the problems you have. You get so much mental clarity after you run," she said. "Running has a great impact on my mental well-being.”

Aryaana Khan, RFTF Alumna
“Running keeps me present”

Aryaana was a member of NYRR Run for the Future in 2018. “I run for my mental health," said Aryaana, 22. "After running I usually feel very accomplished. In the middle of the run I ask myself why I’m doing it. The answer is to reach that finish line to feel that accomplishment."

She added, “Running keeps me present and that’s very important for my mental well-being. When my mental health is at its worst, I don’t feel present and in my body. I run to get back to ‘presence’ – that means I no longer am stuck in my loop of thoughts. It brings me back to where I want to be.”

NYRR Striders

NYRR Striders is a free walking and fitness program that offers physical activity for older adults looking to get active, stay fit, and improve their health, and to connect to a community of like-minded adults.

Ben Navarette, Striders Coach
“Exercise together is better than exercise alone”

“It’s been proven through studies that walking on a regular basis improves mental health," said Ben Navarette, a Striders coach since 2015. "Striders gets people out to walk together and gets them to start feeling better.”

With age, some people’s physical abilities change. “That affects their mental health," he said.

Striders coaches meet each individual where they are and cultivate a group dynamic, he said. “People see that when they look at us. Exercise together is better than exercise alone. Once they get the vibes, it’s like, Where do I join?’”

Joan Innocent, Striders participant
“The energy has already been built”

Joan has been a member of Striders for several years. "I like the Striders because it’s a way of meeting new people," she said. "Since joining the Striders, I’ve made a lot of friends."

She's found that Striders broadens her horizons. "I’ve had opportunities to visit different areas around New York and meet people from all walks of life," she said. "We discuss areas we came from and exchange ideas on issues."

For Joan, the energy of the group activity sessions stays with her. "The hour we spend together motivates me," she said. "I come home and get work done I’ve been leaving around. The energy has already been built."

Thanks to Striders, Joan doesn't feel isolated. "If you are living alone or don’t have much to do," she said, "find a site and join.”

Rising New York Road Runners

Rising New York Road Runners is NYRR’s free, nationwide running-based youth program that serves students through in-school and out-of-school programs.

Keila Merino, Rising NYRR Program Assistant
“Running creates a sense of accomplishment”

Keila Merino is a teacher and Rising New York Road Runners program assistant at P.S. 75 in New York City. “Running has proven to be a great tool to help with my runners' mental health. Running creates a sense of accomplishment and builds self-confidence for those who struggle in the classroom,” said Keila, an avid runner herself.

Some of her students have recently arrived as immigrants and may struggle to adjust to their new environment. “Running builds new friendships and a sense of family and belonging,” she said. “It also helps some students reduce their hyperactivity and anxiety, which then keeps them more focused in the classroom. My runners just seem happier and more awake on practice days!”

Learn more about how you can support NYRR's community programs here.