wellness
The Link Between Exercise and Anxiety Reduction Shows Clear Benefits Locally
Regular physical activity offers measurable relief from anxiety symptoms for people in Glen Waverley.
How we reported this
Residents who log at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week report anxiety scores 21 percent lower than those who remain inactive, according to data compiled by the Glen Waverley Community Health Survey released last month.
The finding arrives as local demand for stress-management support rises following repeated network disruptions that stranded commuters and interrupted emergency services earlier this week. Health workers at the Glen Waverley Medical Centre on Springvale Road have noted a 30 percent increase in anxiety-related appointments since the start of July.
Programs on Coleman Parade and Bogong Avenue
Two established local options already put the research into practice. The Glen Waverley Runners Club meets at 6:15 a.m. every weekday on Coleman Parade, drawing 45 participants who complete a 5-kilometre loop before work. On Tuesday evenings the Uniting Church hall on Bogong Avenue hosts a 45-minute circuit class limited to 20 people at a cost of $12 per session. Both groups record attendance through a shared app that tracks weekly totals.
A 2025 analysis by the International Society of Behavioral Medicine tracked 1,200 adults across comparable suburban settings and found that consistent group exercise reduced generalised anxiety scores by an average of 4.8 points on the GAD-7 scale after eight weeks. Glen Waverley participants in the same study showed similar gains when they maintained the 150-minute threshold.
People interested in starting can join the next Coleman Parade session on Monday morning or reserve a spot in the Bogong Avenue circuit through the church office before Friday. Those with existing conditions are advised to speak with their general practitioner at the Springvale Road clinic before increasing activity levels.