Professor Arthur F. Kramer, Ph.D. conducts research at the Beckham Institute at the University of Illinois and he focuses on changes in brain structure and function that occur as people age. He recently published a study with strong evidence that aerobic exercise can actually reverse mental decline. In a report in The Telegraph, the research actually suggests that the benefits of regular exercise are not only seen in the normal aging process but also for people with Alzheimer's disease.
So, what does this mean?
Aerobic exercise can help increase your brain power? YES!
Gosh, I like that. As I'm getting older, I often hear myself and my friends complain about forgetting things or finding it harder to remember things like "where did I put my keys?"
Hmmm...so if exercise can help my brain, that's a good thing.
What exactly is aerobic exercise anyway? Aerobic exercise simply means a type of exercise that uses is a continuous, rhythmic activity using large groups of muscles for a minimum of twenty minutes (40 minutes is ideal). Some examples include walking, bicycling and rowing. By the way, this is a great way to increase your metabolism... which helps with weight loss. Professor Kramer writes in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that about six months of physical activity should be sufficient to see an improvement in brain power.
So, what are you waiting for? What's been holding you back from getting started?
OK...so I'm a regular exerciser (ran 3.5 miles this morning), but still feel the "mental decline" at times. Better increase the mileage!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, exercise has been a 5-6 day a week routine since my early 20's. The days I miss my routine, I know it! I feel it. So important...now if I could just shake about 15 lbs. off somewhere along that trail...
peace~elaine
This reminds me about the 7 different types of intelligences (I think there are only 7...lol) - Verbal, Logical, Visual, Musical, Social, Reflective - and, of course, Physical! So moving your body and exercising is using your intelligence! So move and be smart...lol.
ReplyDeleteI really needed to be reminded of this - thank you. Your articles are a positive force for me. It's nice to have someone who is a constant encouragement - especially when it comes to health and exercise. ;)