Expert Reviewed
SHARE
We know that exercise is GR8 for fitness, but did you know that there is one exercise that may boost memory and protect brain health as well? According to experts, one exercise may be the answer to promoting the growth of new brain cells as well as preserving the cells that already exist. Try adding it to your routine, and play these five games to improve short-term memory to give your brain the extra stimulation it needs.
So, what is this magical exercise that protects both the mind and body? Surely it must be difficult. It turns out that’s not the case. You’re probably already doing it. You just need to keep it up and get in the habit of doing it daily.
Aerobic Exercise for Brain Health
One study followed nearly 400 women for twenty years. It found that the participants who got in moderate cardio each day were less likely to have memory loss when they reached their 60s and 70s.
What may be surprising is that women with positive outcomes were not always fitness enthusiasts or those with serious gym routines.
Rather, they walked every day. That’s right, walking.
It’s now believed that just walking around the block once a day can help prevent Alzheimer’s and memory loss in the future, while also protecting the brain cells you have today.
Frequency Over Intensity
The study showed that the intensity of an individual’s physical activity was not as important as how often they got up and got moving. Those who walked more frequently showed the same results as those who participated in intense workouts regularly.
Another study found that walking one mile a day reduces the risk of future cognitive decline by as much as 50%. In the world of brain health, this is huge news. Not only does walking regularly protect against memory loss and aid the preservation of healthy brain cells, but it also boosts mood and protects against anxiety and depression.
The same study showed that this moderate exercise routine still had the physical benefits we associate with fitness:
- Lowered cholesterol
- Blood pressure regulation
- Lower body fat percentage
Getting Into a Routine
The best thing about these findings is that boosting memory and protecting your brain health is easily within reach. No matter what your schedule, where you live, or your current level of fitness, going for a walk every day is something that everyone can get on board with. You just have to build a routine.
If you’re not into walking, any form of aerobic exercise will do. Jogging, biking, swimming. Anything that raises your heart rate and gets your body moving. Find out your fitness style if you’re wondering what workout is right for you.
Making Movement More Enjoyable
If you need some ways to get motivated, we’re here to help. Check out these fitness motivations to help you get active in 2020. Additionally, if you have helpful advice, we’d love to hear it. Let us know the fitness motivationals you swear by that may benefit others.
The URL has been copied
