The health benefits of physical fitness on brain health are well documented. The benefits range from improving memory and thought the process to a reducing the chances of developing depression and illnesses such as dementia. Several studies have been released that show a strong correlation between physical fitness and the overall health of the brain. According to a Harvard Medical School posting published on April 2014, researchers at the University of British Columbia have established that regular aerobic exercise that engages the heart and sweat glands have a capacity to increase the size of the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is a critical area of the brain that controls learning and verbal memory functions. The revelations come at a time when scientists are worried about the growing cases of Dementia, which estimates indicate will affect close to 120 million people around the world by 2050. Research indicates that exercising impacts the brain in multiple ways. First, it increases the heartbeat, which in turn increases the amount of oxygen pumped into the brain. Secondly, exercise stimulates the mass release of bodily hormones, which creates a suitable environment that promotes the growth of brain cells and its overall health.
Thirdly, exercise directly and indirectly enhance memory and thinking. The indirect benefits of exercising include reduction in stress and anxiety and improvement in sleep and mood. The direct benefits stem from exercise’s ability to minimize instances of inflammation and resistance to insulin as well as boosting the release of growth factors or chemicals that affect the normal development of brain cells. In addition, people who perform exercise habitually have been shown to possess larger volumes of medial temporal and prefrontal cortex. These are the components of the brain that control memory and the thinking process respectively.
The type of exercises that benefit the brain
There are many different kinds of exercises that are beneficial to the brain. The exercises with the greatest impact are aerobic exercises like swimming and running along with weight lifting and strength exercises. According to the BrainHQ, the best and most effective, brain health workouts are those that incorporate a plethora of the brain faculties such as rhythm, strategy, and coordination. However, choosing a physical exercise that aide the various brain functions requires some research and professional guidance.
As a golden rule, it is important to know that anything that is good for the heart is also beneficial to the brain by design. Studies have shown that aerobic exercises are great for the brain and body because they help boost brain function and repair of damaged brain cells. Another new study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles researchers show that exercise plays an important role in boosting growth factors critical in the development of new neuronal connections and new blood vessels.
Effective exercise regimen that benefits the brain
Studies have proven that exercising in the morning, before getting into the office can help your brain prepare mentally for the task ahead. The morning routine can also reduce the net effects of stress on your work. One great coordination exercise that can help you stay in good shape mentally is a dance class. If you are an individual who regularly works out alone, consider circuit work out since it heightens the heart rate while positively redirecting your attention. If you do not have the discipline to establish your own exercise regimen, consider joining a workout class or a friend to help you work out.
You can also hire a professional trainer to motivate you and track your progress from time to time to help you inch closer to your goals or desired outcomes. Whichever strategy you decide to use, always remember to commit yourself fully to the program. The exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, taking a 30 to 40 minutes walk in a park on a regular basis may just be sufficient to ward off mental wear and tear. Remember, keeping the brain healthy also helps slow cognitive decline as we grow older. Andrew Knight New Canaan believes great health and invigorated frame of mind can be achieved by taking a disciplined approach to physical fitness.
Andrew is a student at Skidmore College, a top liberal arts collect located in Saratoga, New York. He regularly writes and blogs about brain health, exercising and sports science, under which he analyzes the effects of work out on the human body and the various benefits of exercising in promoting physical health and well-being. Being an avid baseball player in college, Andrew Knight New Canaan also works with kids as a youth coach and mentor on a volunteer basis. Outside of baseball, his hobbies include traveling, surfing, and skiing.