Featured Links

Other Topics




Quote of the Day

"There are two kinds of companies, those that work to try to charge more and those that work to charge less. We will be the second."

Jeff Bezos








 




 
Featured Aerobics Articles

Food And Exercise Rx!
It's hard to ignore the explosion of advertisements for new drugs. Magazines, newspapers, television, radio, bus shelters, commuter trains and more all feature ads for pills and potions that claim to be good for what ails you. There's no doubt that ...

Walk Your Way Fit!
"It requires a direct dispensation from Heaven to become a walker." ~Henry David Thoreau Have you been looking for an easy, fun way to get fit? One that doesn't involve costly equipment or a ton of time? Would you like to: Lose weight? Improve ...

Weightlifting 101
It seems that everywhere one looks, one is bombarded with the virtues of getting into a gym and hoisting weights. There's no question as to the health rewards to pursuing this activity, but the question remains: What do I do when I get into the weight ...




Brain Function and Exercise
 
Better brain function with exercise? The evidence is clear. Not only can you get long-term benefits for your brain from exercise, but you can boost you brain power in the next ten minutes. Exercise can help your brain work more efficiently and actually make you smarter.

The thinking ability of subjects was tested in one study. After these tests, the subjects ran on a treadmill for thirty minutes. When their hearts returned to normal resting levels they took the follow-up tests. During all tests the subjects were connected to an EEG (elctroencephalogram), in order to track their brainwaves.

Researchers found that exercising had increased the speed their decision-making. It was considered a significant difference (beyond normal statistical variation). They also found that the subjects answered more accurately after the exercise than before.

Participants were between 18 and 24 years old, but researchers think the findings will hold true for other age groups as well.

One study showed that just ten minutes of moderate exercise each day can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Brain function specifically wasn't tested, but it seems likely that less fatigue means better brain power.

Best Exercise For Brain Function?

The research has focused more on the duration of exercise more than on the specific type. Aerobic exercise seems to be the common element in the studies that have shown improvements in brain function, however. It's likely that running, bicycling, swimming, dancing and any other aerobic exercise will have the same effect.

Notice that ten minutes of exercise is apparently enough to have effects on the brain. Also, while most scientists probably expected to find better brain function from long-term exercise programs, the study using treadmills showed an immediate effect. In other words, get up and run around, and you can be smarter ten minutes from now.

Some people find that walking is a great way to boost brain power. There are the aerobic benefits now being proven by recent studies, but there seems to be something more. It may be due to it's rythmic and relaxing nature that many people report their clearest and most creative thinking when walking.

We already knew that exercise was good for sleeping better, a healthier immune system, weight control, and a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Now you can add brain power to that list. Why not take a walk today for better brain function?



About the author:

Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower and related topics for years. For more on How To Increase Brain Power, and to get the Brain Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com



Aerobics News