15-min fitness session boosts mental health more than pricey retreats, trial shows

Splashing out on a luxury wellness retreat might seem like the ultimate way to boost your mood, but new research suggests there’s a much simpler and cheaper solution. A recent trial has revealed that just 15 minutes of daily exercise can provide a bigger lift to your mental healththan a costly getaway.

The study tracked participants from the UK, US, and Australia, all of whom had attended a wellness holiday in the past year. Researchers then also asked them to add a15-minute movement break to their daily routine for just one week and the results were very surprising.

Before the trial began, volunteers completed a survey about their retreat experiences and the perceived benefits. They then recorded their daily mood throughout the week and filled in a final questionnaire at the end.

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In the trial overseen by Dr Brendon Stubbs from King's College London and commissioned by ASICS, participants reported a 21% improvement in their mental wellbeing outperforming the benefits they’d gained from their expensive retreats.

It also revealed that 71% of participants found daily movement more effective at reducing stress.

It boosted the mood of 65% of participants, while 73% reported longer-lasting mental health benefits compared to their wellness holiday.

As a result, sportswear brand ASICS has enlisted actor, writer and wellness advocate Natasha Rothwell as its Everyday Escape Concierge.

The campaign aims to demonstrate that achieving wellness doesn't require spending thousands or travelling miles – it invites everyone to discover the power outside their door by moving their bodies to move their minds.

Natasha said: "Your Everyday Escape could be a walk, a stretch, a dance in your kitchen. It's free, it's simple, and it's yours. "Wellness shouldn't be a luxury. It should be something we can all access, every day."

In addition to the trial, ASICS conducted a global survey of 11,000 people who have been on wellness retreats. From those surveyed in the UK, it was found that they travel an average of over 1,500km to attend these wellness holidays.

However, 63% said they failed to meet all expectations, with 72%reporting that any wellness benefits faded shortly after returning home.

Dr Brendon Stubbs added: "It's incredible to see the impact 15 minutes of movement can have on mental wellbeing. The trial shows that small movement breaks can boost mood and reduce stress more effectively than a wellness holiday.

"All the participants said they'd be continuing to take movement breaks moving forward and 81 per cent said they're now prioritising movement for their wellbeing over attending another retreat.

"A week away may give a short-term boost, but exercise delivers long-term benefits."