If you are consistent for long enough the body begins to crave it and you feel better afterwards.
Maybe walk then run. Or pushups then pull ups then dulbells then weights. Swimming can be a great cardio and total musculature system workout.
Find what you can do and try and remain consistent through the loss of motivation, as that will happen.
I know everyone is different but it's been infinitely more effective and a positive in my life than any medications I'd tried.
If you need someone to help cheer you on I updated my bio to include my email.
What I did not see from any of the responses is what did you do instead? Exercising did not work. What did you do? At least the people positing exercise as an answer gave an actionable response. And it does work. Nothing works for everyone.
works for me. plus a daily spoonful of cod liver oil. the best defense against depression is discipline to do what you have to do even when there's no dopamine coming.