How Exercise can Boost The Brain
We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but did you know that movement can also boost our brain health in a number of different ways?
That’s right, every step, run, cycle or swim you take is boosting your brain and improving your cognitive fitness!
Why should I care about my brain health?
Just like exercise supports our bodies, movement also helps keep our brain fit and active and helps ward off any future issues we may come across.
By this we mean, exercise can:
Reduce stress and helps us relax after a day at work
Improve our memory and cognitive function
Help reduce the effects of anxiety and depression
Protect our brains against dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s
What does the science say?
Supports Mental Health
Some research has shown every time your move your body, a number of beneficial neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine, gets released into your brain. These chemicals help reduce stress and help ward off the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Support New Brain Cells
According to studies movement, in general, helps promote a process called neurogenesis, or the birth of new brain cells. This process is important to keep all parts of our brain performing at a level that improves our problem-solving and memory.
Protection from Disease
Like with any muscle, the more effort you put into it the bigger it becomes – the same can be said for our brain, and a stronger brain is more likely to be protected in the future.
There have been many studies that suggest regular exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, both of which are susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
How much exercise is needed?
The good news is that you don’t need to be a marathon runner to reap the benefits for your brain.
In fact, simply moving your body a little every day can go a long way to improving your overall health.
The Australian Physical Activity guidelines suggest that every adult should be aiming to complete 150 hours of exercise each week. This includes a mix of cardiovascular and strength-based exercises.
150 minutes may sound a lot, but in fact this is 30 minutes each day… or even three 10-minute blocks!
So, you can start with two small ten-minute walks around the block and ten minutes of housework and build up from there!
What if I am living with an injury or chronic condition?
Once again, we will always promote the fact that exercise is medicine and even the smallest of changes in your physical activity levels can help you.
Our team of accredited exercise physiologists are trained to work with you and your medical history and create an exercise program that is completely tailored to your personal needs.
If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with our friendly team today!