Exercise is a "magic drug" for those dealing with depression and should be prescribed more often, according to a new study.

Exercising has long been recognised as a great way to boost your mood. It helps people improve their confidence and self image, gives them positive goals and releases endorphins, the hormones which induce happy feelings. It can also improve sleep and reduce stress.

And now a new study has emerged which calls exercise a "magic drug" for those dealing with depression.

Figures from the charity Turning Point suggest that three-quarters of the UK population either regularly or occasionally experience depression, but only a third will seek help, so these new claims could potentially affect millions of people.

The study was carried out by Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and Michael Otto, a psychology professor at Boston University. It was presented at the Anxiety Disorder Association of America's annual conference in March.

By using the results gained from previous research, the pair were able to determine that those who take part in regular exercise have lower levels of stress, anger and anxiety.

This conclusion led them to suggest that exercise should be prescribed more often as a method of dealing with depression.

Mr Smits explained: "Exercise can fill the gap for people who can't receive traditional therapies because of cost or lack of access, or who don't want to because of the perceived social stigma associated with these treatments."

The reasons as to why exercise has such a dramatic effect on depression is extremely complex. However, Mr Smits summed it up as being a similar effect to that which can be gained from mood-enhancing medication.

"Exercise appears to affect, like an antidepressant, particular neurotransmitter systems in the brain, and it helps patients with depression re-establish positive behaviours," he explained.

Private healthcare organisation Bupa recommends that people using exercise to help combat depression should set themselves a structured programme of three sessions per week.

Aerobic activities, those which get the heart pumping and the lungs working, are thought to be the most effective.

The good news for those with busy and stressful lifestyles is Mr Smits believes that for exercise to be at its most beneficial it should be taken in "specific, achievable steps".

He added: "This isn't about working out five times a week for the next year. It's about exercising for 20 or 30 minutes and feeling better today."

This is where equipment like an indoor rowing machine can come in, as it allows users to set specific measurable targets to aim towards.

Concept2 machines use a Performance Monitor, which logs both times and distances and allows people to compare these with other rowers.

For those looking to start being more physically active as a way to improve their mood, the Mental Health Foundation has a few suggestions.

It advises making key decisions before you start about the time you will need to put aside, the type of support you will need to keep going and which type of exercise will suit you best.

Remember, those who are suffering from depression are advised to seek medical help, as well as taking part in exercise, to ensure that their recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. But whether you're suffering from depression or not, exercise remains a great way to lift your mood.