You’ve taken to heart the recommendations to get – at a minimum – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week in order to improve your physical fitness.
What you may not realise is that with every step that you take, every kilometre you pedal or every lap that you swim around the pool, you’re enhancing your cognitive fitness. A number of studies suggest that the activities you do in order to improve your body also benefit your brain.
Physical exercise, as well as aerobic exercise specifically, is very beneficial in terms of maintaining brain health, even in individuals who are at risk for developing dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). You are able to make a key difference in terms of how your body is operating and, as a consequence, how your brain is operating.
How Aerobic Exercise Helps
Exercise assists with memory and thinking through both direct as well as indirect means. The advantages of aerobic exercise come directly from its ability to lower insulin resistance, reduce inflammation in addition to stimulating the issuing of growth factors — chemicals in the brain which affect the health of brain cells, the development of new blood vessels in the brain as well as even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.
Indirectly, exercise enhances mood and sleep, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas often result in – or contribute to – cognitive impairment.
Many studies have made the suggestion that the parts of the brain which control thinking as well as memory (the prefrontal cortex as well as the medial temporal cortex) have a larger volume in individuals who exercise as opposed to individuals who don’t.
Even more thrilling is the finding that engaging in a programme of regular exercise of moderate intensity – over a period of six months or a year – is associated with an increase in the volume of select brain regions.
Safety Of Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is usually safe for most people. In order to avoid injuries, it is always a good idea to discuss exercise regimens with a personal trainer or fitness consultant. People who suffer from chronic health conditions should check in with a doctor to find out if their exercise plan is suitable. In some instances, people with heart conditions or high blood pressure might need to avoid high intensity exercise.
Get Into Strength Training Exercises
Strength training isn’t only for body builders. Lifting weights – or making use of a resistance band – not only builds muscle and strengthens bone; but it can boost brain power, improve mood, enhance concentration as well as increase decision-making skills.
Aerobic exercise and strength training provides a wide range of benefits for the body as well as the brain. Physical activity guidelines advise at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity – or 75 minutes – of high intensity aerobic activity every single week. Getting more exercise than this will probably have extra benefits.
For some individuals, it may be difficult to find the time for sports or regular visits to the gym. However, making small changes to day-to-day routines can assist these individuals to reach the recommended amount of physical activity. For instance, they could take the stairs as opposed to the lift or, when possible, try walking instead of driving.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
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