Excersise and depression

[topsi]

Does any one feel that excercise helps with depression?
I know it's always mentioned as being a good self help mechanism but what are others experiences?
I woke up today and felt quite good, slept OK etc. I have been thinking of joining the local gym so decided today was the day and went for an induction.
I have been so lethargic recently and my levels of excercise have been virltally nil as in only walking to the car and back, not even going up the park with DS very often.
Well had to do a bit of walking on the treadmill etc with the lady doing the induction, enough to make me out of breath and a bit sweaty. After I had to pick up DS from nursery and go to work .
I have felt good all afternoon! More chatty at work with clients and collegues, quite calm and relaxed. Just wondering if this is just a coincidence, I guess time will tell.
Any one else any experiences?

Sorry, you always get boring old me answering your posts, but hopefully it will get the ball rolling!
I used to think I had chronic fatigue/ME (which was coupled with anxiety/depression - pretty low level) and thought I needed to rest a lot. Once I started to increase my exercise I felt much better. Cycling and walking are always good.
Having recovered from having DD in the winter I have recently started to do swimming and yoga every week and make sure I go for long walks with DD. It definitely lifts my mood both long and short term.

I have used exercise to prevent falling into depression for the past 5-6 years.

I make sure that I get outside in all weathers, as I have found that helps too.

I try to exercise at least four times a week for 40 minutes, break a sweat.

If I going through difficult times I step up the exercise, an extra walk or very gently jogging to counteract my mood.

It works really well for me, along with eating a colourful diet, eg a salad every day.

Yes - it is excellent against depression (to say nothing of all the other health benefits too)

Hi topsi boring old me too! I always feel better if i get out and about and get the heart pumping a bit. I don't have many opportunities for proper exercise these days but even walking to school and back three times a day helps. I feel much worse if I just stay at home.

I find it so difficult to motivate myself though.