Exercise

Exercise can be a very effective treatment for depression. It can release endorphins in the brain to help improve mood and depression symptoms. Exercise can also be effective way to help with depressive symptoms exercising can act as a distraction from negative thoughts, it offers opportunities to meet new people and socialize, and also provide opportunities for goal setting. Unlike psychotropic medications, it offers little to no potential side effects. When used with more formal types of treatment, exercise can help improve the effectiveness of psychiatry and therapy as well.

Exercising has shown to be effective at providing various benefits to your mental health. Many of those benefits include sharper memory and cognition, increased self-esteem, improved sleep, more resiliency, and improved energy.

EXERCISE TIPS

  • Speak with a PCP before starting a new exercise routine to address any medical considerations or comorbidities.
  • Start small and plan out exercises.
  • Explore what interests you.
  • Set “SMART” goals and track your progress
  • “It’s a marathon not a sprint”.
    • Consistency is important for habit formation and increases positive outcomes
  • Practice listening you your body. Pain does not always equal gain.
  • Improve the quality of your dietary intake.
  • Get quality rest.
  • Use CBT to your advantage
    • Reward your efforts
  • Develop a healthy relationship with exercising and with others who share your exercise hobby.
  • You are not alone and feel free to ask for assistance.
  • Get active and have fun.

LOCAL GYMS

YMCA

Sliding Scale Fees
Free with Nebraska Total Care Insurance
50% off with AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance
YMCA

Salvation Army Kroc Center

$35 per month
Scholarships available up to 50% off
(402)905-3500

Blue Moon Fitness

$10 per month ($2.50 per week with 12-month commitment)

Planet Fitness

$10 per month

OMAHA COMMUNITY CENTERS

$10 per month ($2.50 per week with 12-month commitment)

$25 for 20 visits or $15 for 10 visits. Saturdays from 9-12pm. Free for individuals 55 and older. $3 per drop in.

Florence Community Center

2920 Bondesson St
Omaha, NE 68112
(402)444-5216

Columbus Park Community Center

1515 S. 24th St
Omaha, NE 68108
(402)444-4111

Mockingbird Hills Community Center

10242 Mockingbird Drive
Omaha, NE 68127
(402)444-6103

A.V. Sorensen Community Center

4808 Cass St.
Omaha, NE 68132
(402)444-5596

Adams Park Community Center

3230 John Creighton Blvd
Omaha, NE 68111
(402)444-5164

Saddlebrook Community Center

14850 Laurel Avenue
Omaha, NE 68116
(402)444-5970

SILVER SNEAKERS PROGRAM (SENIOR CITIZENS)

Call your local gym to check for Silver Sneakers participation
Covered by following insurance providers:

  • AARP
  • BCBS
  • Banker’s Life
  • Aetna Coventry
  • Humana
  • Medica
  • United Healthcare

For more information call 866-584-7389.

ENGAGE WELLNESS (UNMC)

Two free week participation with NE Med provider referral, scholarships
available, and Insurance discount through Silver and Fit.

Home Instead Center (HICSA)
730 S 38th Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
(402)552-7210

EXERCISE IDEAS

  • Swimming/Water Aerobics
  • Biking
  • LARPing
  • Running
  • Walking
  • Tennis
  • Dancing
  • Bodyweight Training
  • Machine and free-weight training
  • Stretching
  • Yoga
  • Resistance Bands

FREE EXERCISE RESOURCES