Fitness Improves Brain Power: Science Says So

Did you know that fitness boosts your brain’s power? You’ve probably been taught that studying makes you smarter. Reading makes you smarter. The foods you eat can improve your brain function, and the list goes on. It turns out that fitness can also improve the way your brain works. It’s been scientifically proven.

The more you work out, the more you’re feeding your brain. Extra points if you listen to audiobooks while you’re on the treadmill. Just like studying, though, or maintaining a healthy diet, boosting brain power through exercise is an on-going process. You have to keep at it, or the effects will die off. Keep moving your feet to keep powering your brain. Why is this?

The Benefits of Fitness for Brain Power

Fitness is touted for its many benefits. It can help you lose or maintain weight, strengthen your heart,  help prevent disease, and help improve your mental health. It can also boost your brainpower, enabling you to function better daily. Here’s how.

Fitness Helps Improve Your Memory

It’s been shown that people who engage in regular exercise for at least six months show an improvement in memory function. This is because the prefrontal cortex and the medial temporal cortex are shown to have more volume in those who regularly participate in aerobic exercises in comparison to those who don’t.

The best part is that you don’t need to be a cross-country runner to reap the benefits. The study shows that light cardio, such as walking, can help improve your memory, too.

Fitness Helps Information Processing in the Brain

One study shows that even moderate exercise improves the way your brain processes information. It aids in the production of new brain cells, as well as in the protection of existing brain cells. Essentially, the same way you’re strengthening and protecting your heart through exercise is precisely what you’re doing for your brain.

The effects of exercise increase the plasticity of your brain, promoting the growth of new neural connections that improve the way we process information.

Fitness Improves Overall Brain Function

Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen levels, two things that are essential to brain function. We know that when our brains are deprived of adequate oxygen and blood flow, it can cause damage and even brain death. It only makes sense that providing your brain with the best circulation and oxygen possible maintains and improves overall brain health.

How to Improve Your Brain’s Power

The GR8 news is, even moderate exercise has been shown to have positive effects on brainpower. It’s been shown that cardio and aerobic exercise tend to have the greatest impact, and you can start with as little as twenty minutes of light exercise a few times a week to get going.

Once you’ve built up some stamina and gotten used to your routine, keep going. In addition to physical health and brainpower, fitness has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, energy levels, and productivity.

A Note from GR8NESS

Here at GR8NESS, we promote positive physical, emotional, and mental health and strive to help our readers attain all of their goals. The journey to maintain a state of well-being is lifelong, and taking small steps in the right direction can make all the difference. So go ahead, GR8NESS readers, get your wellness on!