Exercise can help improve mood and quality of life in individuals with bipolar disorder. It can also help reduce the risk of physical health conditions associated with bipolar disorder, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.

If you have bipolar disorder, adding exercise to your treatment plan may provide added benefits.

It’s important to keep in mind that exercise is not a substitute for any treatment prescribed by your doctor, such as medication or therapy.

Read on to learn more about the effects that exercise can have on bipolar disorder.

Exercise can have a positive effect on mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, also known as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Over time, higher levels of endorphins can help you feel better.

A small 2022 study in adolescents with bipolar disorder found that participants experienced a boost in mood after exercising.

Moreover, a 2019 study found that, compared to sedentary peers, physically active individuals with bipolar disorder had lower levels of anxiety and experienced fewer mood episodes and hospitalizations.

The benefits of exercise may be most effective when paired with other lifestyle interventions. A 2023 study found that a combined exercise and diet intervention helped improve depressive symptoms and overall functioning.

It’s important to follow any medication your doctor has prescribed. Manic symptoms can only be managed with medication.

Exercise can have an antidepressant effect for individuals with bipolar disorder. But it could also be a potential trigger for manic episodes.

While the researchers in this particular study did not find that exercise was associated with a significant change in manic symptoms, it is still important to talk with your doctor and any other care professionals you have about exercise. This is especially important if you are starting a new exercise regimen.

If you have bipolar disorder, you may be at a higher risk for certain physical health conditions, such as:

Not only are these health conditions a concern for your overall health, but they may also negatively affect:

  • insomnia
  • functionality
  • weight

In one 2019 study, physically inactive individuals with bipolar disorder experienced more mood episodes and psychiatric hospitalizations for depressive symptoms compared to the physically active group.

A possible reason for these increased health risks is the increased sedentary behavior (nonphysical activity) associated with the condition.

A 2019 study noted that individuals with bipolar disorder were more likely to engage in sedentary behavior and spend more time being sedentary compared with individuals with other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.

Obtaining regular exercise can help manage your weight and reduce your risk of heart disease.

How to start an exercise routine

For people with bipolar disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends working out for 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week.

If you are new to regular exercise, this may seem overwhelming at first. However, you don’t have to reach this number immediately. You can start with 10 minutes per day, or however much feels manageable, and work your way up from there.

The most important element of exercise is consistency — for example, you don’t have to force yourself to run if you do not enjoy running. Find an exercise you enjoy, such as:

You may also consider exercising with a friend or joining a fitness class. This can help keep you accountable and may make the process more enjoyable.

Obesity may pose a health risk for individuals with bipolar disorder.

In some of these cases, the weight gain could be caused by use of certain medications. These medications may increase your appetite.

Medications that can potentially cause weight gain include:

If you find that you are suddenly gaining weight after starting any of these medications, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may switch you to another medication or change the dose on your current one.

However, it is important to note that you should never stop taking a medication or change your dosage without talking with your doctor first.

In some cases, increasing the amount of exercise you do could help you lose weight. Exercise burns calories and builds muscle, both of which can help you reach a moderate weight.

Paired with your existing treatment plan, exercise may help manage bipolar disorder. It can improve mood as well as lessen the increased risk of certain associated health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. They can take your individual needs into account and help find a plan that works for you.