National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recognizes exercise as a valid treatment for anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of two types of exercise programs on depression and anxiety in male and female students. 490 students who had registered in the course of Physical Education 2 filled out the two questionnaires of the study. Then, based on the scores, 120 students with depression scores from 14 to 40 were selected as the subjects of the study. 54 boys and girls participated in a 12 week physical fitness program with a frequency of 3 sessions per week and 60 minutes per session. The rest of the students participated in a similar protocol, but 90 minutes per session in handball classes. Based on the results, there was a significant difference between the effects of the two programs on depression and anxiety. No significant difference was observed between girls and boys in the level of depression, but a significant difference was observed between the two genders in the level of anxiety.
