Normally what we think about when we think about exercise are the benefits on the body. Benefits like better sleep, increased energy, slimmer tighter bodies, and muscles … lots of muscles.
Rarely do we ever think about the affects that exercise has on our brains and mental health.
Exercise has numerous positive effects on brain health, influencing both its structure and function. According to Dr. Peter Attia, “exercise is the single biggest elixir for brain health.”
Here are some of the benefits of exercise on the brain:
Every time you move your body, a number of beneficial neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine, gets released into your brain. These endorphins known as "feel-good" hormones play a crucial role in mood regulation, stress reduction, and cognitive function decreasing depression and anxiety while improving overall mental health.
Research has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of dementia by 31%.
Exercise has been shown to increase the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein that supports the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons. Higher levels of BDNF are associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases and aging.
A process, known as neurogenesis, is essential for cognitive function. Neurogenesis is the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with learning and memory. Exercise has been shown to enhance one´s attention, executive function, and processing speed.
According to neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University Wendy Suzuki, PhD, “exercising is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, memory, focus and reasoning …”
Wendy Suzuki, PhD, “exercising is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, memory, focus and reasoning …”
Inflammation is not just something experienced in the body. It also has negative effects on the brain. Chronic inflammation is associated with various neurological disorders. Regular physical activity can help reduce inflammation in both the body and the brain.
These are just a few of the benefits to your brain and mental health associated with exercise.
Now, it's important to note that the type, duration, and intensity of exercise can all influence the extent of these benefits. Both aerobic exercises (such as running or cycling) and resistance training have been shown to have positive effects on brain health. Additionally, consistency is key, as long-term engagement in physical activity is associated with the most significant cognitive benefits.
Reach out today if you are looking ot develop a consistent workout regimen that will not only benefit your body but will have long lasting benefits for your brain as well.
Here´s to discovering a happier healthier you in 2024.
You can DM me or email: juan@wbhintl for more information.