Not only is exercise good for you heart and muscles but it has been shown to improve your brain power as well. Multiple studies have shown that exercises improves brain function in realms ranging from learning to memory to problem solving. Exercise also seems to help minimize age-related cognitive decline in both humans and animals.
Exercise does this by enhancing the production of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophin Factor (BDNF). This protein helps to increase the survival rate of neurons within the brain as well as stimulating the growth of neurons in sections of the brain that can grow new neurons. Finally, BDNF proteins also help enable the growth of new connections between neurons within the brain, the physical foundation of new learning.
So far, most research studies have looked at the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise (walking, running, swimming ect.) on the brain but there are new studies that seem to show beneficial effects of resistance training as well (weight-lifting). As little as one week of exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on learning and memory.
Tips for Choosing The Right Physical Exercise
- In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain.
- Aerobic exercise is great for body and brain: not only does it improve brain function, but it also acts as a "first aid kit" on damaged brain cells.
- Exercising in the morning before going to work not only spikes brain activity and prepares you for mental stresses for the rest of the day, but also produces
- increases retention of new information, and better reaction to complex situations.
- When looking to change up your work out, look for an activity that incorporates coordination along with cardiovascular exercise, such as a dance class.
- If you like crunching time at the gym alone, opt for circuit work outs, which both
- quickly spike your heart rate, but also constantly redirect your attention.
- Hitting a wall or mentally exhausted? Doing a few jumping jacks might reboot your brain.
