Want to feel fit? Have a healthy heart and bones? Want to feel flexible, strong, and confident? All are wonderful effects of exercise. It is also proven to make us smarter, build more brain cells, boosts memory, and increases our executive functioning capabilities. Simply put, regular exercise makes us the best version of ourselves.
On a fundamental level, our brains and bodies are wired for survival. Moving, planning, and creating are the building blocks of human nature and as a result, modern society. Movement literally rewires the brain and prepares it to plan and execute tasks. This is in our DNA as hunters and gatherers. Most of us no longer need to kill our next meal, but the simplistic principles haven’t changed. If we want to stay sharp, focused, and execute successfully, in whatever we are doing, exercise plays a vital role.
Regular cardiovascular exercise has been shown to actually increase the mass of the brain. Proteins are released that create new nerves and synapses (the connecting points of nerves) in the hippocampus, which is our memory and learning center. These proteins also help strengthen existing brain cells. Pretty direct science here; get your heart rate up and build your brainpower.
Want to double your boost? Incorporate activities where you have to think, calculate, and coordinate while keeping your heart rate up. Play tennis or go for an aggressive hike. Get out for a dance class or join an adult soccer league. Not only will you be releasing the brain building chemical reactions, you will be enhancing dynamic functioning skills that will keep you sharp for decades.
If you’re feeling down or depressed, there is no better natural medicine then exercise. It releases the body’s feel good chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. The more you exercise, the more they are released. Stress plays a heavy role in all of our lives. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, slows brain activity and depletes brain cells. Exercise reverses these negative effects.
To get the best brain boosting results, try to get your heart rate up to about 75% of your maximum heart rate for 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week. Don’t worry if you’re not meeting those requirements right now. Research has shown that your body will respond to exercise whenever you start. Get the ball rolling with a program that works for you. If your exercise choices aren’t currently getting your heart rate up, explore some new options that you can incorporate. Your health is in your hands everyone!
