RESUMO
To study the frequency of anxiety, depression amongst those who exercise regularly and those who do not. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different gyms and health clubs in Ajman during March 2012. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 350 people aged 18 to 65 years selected using a convenient sampling technique. Females [55.0%] are more likely to be anxious than men [46.4%]. Females [39.9%] are also more likely to be depressed compared to males [26.4%]. Chi square test showed anxiety levels were significantly increased in non-exercisers compared to exerciser [p value <0.015. Individuals that exercised had a lower prevalence of depression [28.9%] than non-exercisers [41.8%]. Physical exercise activity was significantly associated with decreased anxiety level and decreased depression. Results suggest the need for educating on the positive health effects of exercise