Exercise, Stress and Health: The Stress-Buffering Effect of Exercise

Abstract

This chapter examines two stress-related characteristics of exercise in more detail: (a) the relationship between exercise and perceived stress and (b) the stress-buffering effect of exercise. Cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental evidence are presented and analysed. Findings support the assumption that engagement in exercise can lead to reductions in perceived stress levels but that at the same time higher perceived stress levels might also cause decreases in exercise behaviour. Furthermore, empirical evidence supports the assumption that exercise and fitness buffer detrimental stress effects on mental and physical health. However, many questions still remain unanswered.