While you know that it is necessary for you to exercise your body, did you know that it is also vitally important for you to exercise your mind. You’ve probably heard of the old adage “use it or lose it”. Many researchers are of the firm belief that this maxim applies to your brain health as well.
We know that doing physical exercise, often, is important. This is especially as we get older and want to lessen our risk of developing diseases in addition to other health issues that are associated with ageing. For example:
- Strength exercises may assist with building muscle and reducing the risk of osteoporosis,
- Balance exercises can help to prevent falls, and
- Flexibility and stretching exercises can help maintain range of motion to stay limber.
The Best Exercises For Brain Health
Regular aerobic exercises – such as running, biking and swimming – preserve existing brain cells while (at the same time) nurturing the growth and development of new ones.
In fact, a recent study which was published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has uncovered a link between long-term moderate physical activity as well as an increase in volume of the hippocampus. (This is the segment of the brain that deals with the formation of long-term memories.) The hippocampus is the area which is the first to be damaged in Alzheimer’s disease.)
A Well-Balanced Exercise Routine
It’s important to include aerobic activity (such as walking, biking or swimming), along with strength training (such as lifting weights, Pilates or yoga) and balance exercises (such as tai chi or yoga) into your exercise regimen.
Strength training, stretching and balance exercises are extremely helpful in terms of improving your mood as well as enhancing your concentration and decision-making skills. This is all while keeping you strong, flexible and able to move about well as you get older. Regardless of what type of exercise it is that you do, make sure that you start slowly and warm up your muscles each time you exercise.
Eat Right
Be sure that you drink plenty of water in order to remain hydrated. Eat meals and snacks which are high in fibre. Examples are:
- Oatmeal,
- Fruits and vegetables,
- Beans,
- Tofu, and
- Fish
People can take steps in order to keep their brains healthy, just as they know that they are able to prevent heart disease by taking a number of specific actions. In the foreseeable future, brain wellness to be right up there with heart health.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
As you can see, exercise has loads of benefits such as promoting brain health. If you want to learn what other benefits there are, and also discover the best way of teach people how to exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer. To make this happen, study our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.
