Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels.

METHODS: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training.

RESULTS: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group.

CONCLUSION: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.