Logan Weatherman 1

Logan Weatherman
Laura Knudson
UWRT 1102-028
November 14, 2016
The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health: A Rhetorical Analysis
This rhetorical analysis explores an article that I considered for my annotated
bibliography about the benefits of exercising with depression. This article really highlights the
fact that not enough research has been done to prove that exercise can improve mental health, but
argues why there should be more research done. I think this is a great article with very little room
for improvement.
This articles main appeal is its strong use of logos. The first half of the article consists of
definitions that some may not be familiar with while reading, and also lists some of the ways to
reduce anxiety and depression through exercise. The Exercise and Depression portion of the
article goes on to talk about studies that prove that exercise does benefit mental health to some
extent. The research showed that those who are clinically depressed are just as likely to find
relief through exercise as they are through psychotherapy. The article also provides a very clear
layout of the overall findings of the studies and how to get those benefits ourselves.
The article uses pathos by using encouraging words and presenting facts that would make
one with depression feel hope. The article talks about how treatment for depression is expensive
and how those who are depressed are more likely to go to the doctor more. It sheds a very

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positive light on exercising by calling it a more cost efficient option but also showing all of the
benefits that exercising promotes.
Credibility is very important when presenting a factual piece, but this article makes sure
to present itself as credible by siting just about every claim it makes. You know you can trust the
article because if you want proof, you can follow all of the sources to make sure that the person
who wrote this is correct in what they are saying. It also brings up several different studies, even
ones that may weaken the writers claim just to show that the writer is being fair in reporting all
sides of the information.
Overall, I think the fact that this article has such strong logos brings out both ethos and
pathos as well. The writer of this article did an excellent job of presenting the information which
is why I am using this for my annotated bibliography. I feel like the writer genuinely cares about
the topic which makes it a much easier read than an article that just laid out facts with nothing
else to compliment those facts.