s e m o n i a n

We’re consistently bombarded with information regarding the physical and emotional benefits of daily activity. Aerobic exercise and resistance training has been linked to preventing and managing a long list of conditions, like hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, stress, colon cancer, abnormal cholesterol levels, and depression. But if those are not enough to motivate you, check out this benefit: Increased brain cognition. Cognition includes thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining and learning. Simply stated, working out can make you smarter.

Studies show that starting in youngsters, regular physical activity improves perceptual skills, intelligence quotient, verbal and mathematical test scores, developmental level, and academic readiness. “These results clearly indicate that exercise early in life can be of great importance for improving cognite health during childhood, and that the benefit of physical exercise on brain function may extend throughout the adult lifespan,” said Hillman, Erickson and Kramer in their study “Be Smart, Exercise Your Heart” (Nature Reviews Neuroscience).

In adults, research has observed the positive effects exercise has on the area of the brain known as “Executive Central Command”: This area controls memory, planning, scheduling, multitasking, and dealing with ambiguity (doubt and uncertainty). Note how all of these diminish as we age. During this study, the authors also observed an increase in some brain neurotransmitters. This increase potentially induces a “runner’s high,” and synapse communication capacity. As we know, aerobic exercise induces the formation of new blood vessels in the brain. More blood cells means an improvement in brain circulation, brain function and brain health.

Tighter tush, healthier heart AND better at crosswords? What other motivation could you need to work up a sweat on the regular?

Enjoy Your Exercise. Enjoy Your Day.