Brain Strength Train Or Your Mom was right….again. Need to clear your thoughts? Go for a walk.

I have always marveled at the positive aspects of exercise.  We all know that exercise is great for health, weight management and vitality.  I know that after a good workout, I am happier.  I can never stay angry after a good spin class.  But can a brisk walk or yoga help my memory or increase my aptitude for learning?





Exercise used to be a built naturally into our lives.   It was exercise to just get though our daily routines.   We kneaded bread, churned butter, chopped wood and walked to town.  Walking used to be a form of transportation.  Now, with our sedentary tendencies, walking must be consciously added to our daily routines.  How many trainers suggest clients wear pedometers and log 10,000 steps/day?



Studies are now backing up the theory that exercise is good for your brain too!  Because it is cardiovascular, walking is strength training for your brain.  Walking increases blood circulation, oxygen and glucose to the brain.  Unlike running, the quads do not steal the extra oxygen and glucose. Cerebral blood vessels can grow in response to movement.    Walk with a purpose~ to oxygenate your brain.

 (It also aids in waste removal!)



The news gets better!  Even senior citizens can improve their learning ability, concentration and abstract reasoning.  What is the proof?  University of California at San Francisco researchers measured the brain function of almost 6,000 women during an eight year period.  These women were divided in to two groups; one with “normal” activity and one with a higher activity.  In the more physically challenged group, the cognitive test results were remarkable better.  It wasn’t a matter of all or nothing either.  With a continued increase in exercise, the results improved.  You do not need to run or walk marathons.  Adding cardiovascular exercise is an important intervention that is easy.  It could have huge health and cognitive results in preventing decline in later years.