Exercise benefits your health in many ways. It preserves muscle strength; keep your heart strong; maintains a healthy weight; and prevents chronic diseases such as diabetes.
But exercise also has benefits for the brain. Many studies have suggested that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in people who exercise than in those who don’t. One finding is that participating in a regular, moderate-intensity exercise program over six months to a year is associated with an increase in the volume of certain brain regions.
Exercise can also indirectly boost memory and thinking by improving mood and sleep, and reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.
What exercise is best for the brain?
Is one exercise better than another for brain health? We don’t know the answer to this question, because until now, almost all research has focused on one form of exercise: walking. “But it’s likely that other forms of aerobic exercise that get your heart pumping could produce similar benefits,” says Dr. Scott McGinnis, an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that tai chi can improve cognitive function in older adults, particularly executive function, which manages cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving and verbal reasoning. This may be because tai chi, a martial art that involves slow, focused movements, requires learning and memorizing new skills and movement patterns.
How to Maximize the Brain Benefits of Exercise
Dr. McGinnis recommends making exercise a habit, almost like taking a prescription medication. Aim for a goal of moderate-intensity exercise – such as brisk walking – for 150 minutes per week. Start with a few minutes a day and increase the amount by five or 10 minutes each week until you reach your goal.
And since several studies have shown that it takes about six months to start reaping the cognitive benefits of exercise, he reminds you to be patient as you wait for the first results – and to continue exercising throughout your life. your life.
For additional tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your workouts, read the Workbooka special health report from Harvard Medical School.
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