It’s time to put those old myths to rest because scientists have discovered that there’s a secret to getting a better brain, no matter your age. Forget about maxing out on nerve cells (neurons) by the time you’re legally allowed to drink; believe it or not, your brain continues to develop throughout your lifetime, and new neurons can be produced with the right activities. So, why are neurons such a big deal? Well, these impressive little cells are responsible for everything from thinking and learning to remembering information and coordinating movement.
You don’t have to look far to understand the importance of neurons. Take a person suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a devastating neurological disease where motor neurons responsible for muscle control die, leading to paralysis and eventually, death. There’s also Alzheimer’s disease, where symptoms are caused by the death of neurons. To sum it up, neurons are essential for overall brain health and function.
Now that you know the importance of neurons, let’s talk about the activity that’s scientifically proven to create new neurons in your brain, making you smarter and healthier: sustained aerobic exercise.
Aerobic exercise and the brain
Sustained aerobic exercise, or cardio, refers to any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time (think 20 minutes or more). Examples of aerobic workouts include running, biking, or playing tennis. Corroborating studies show how incorporating cardio into your routine has significant positive effects on your cognitive ability.
In a study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, researchers compared the effects of exercise on rats and neurons. They discovered that rats who ran long distances had two to three times more new neurons in their hippocampus, the area of the brain associated with learning and memory, than sedentary rats after eight weeks participating in aerobic exercise.
Moreover, the study found that the rat runners developed significantly more new neurons than rats who engaged in resistance or high-intensity interval training, providing evidence that sustained aerobic exercise surpasses other types of exercise in this regard.
Runner’s high explained
You’re probably familiar with the term “runner’s high” used to describe the euphoric state some people experience after long-distance running. Well, there’s a reason for that: your brain is actively creating new neurons during aerobic workouts. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an avid runner to experience this exhilarating sensation.
Aerobic workouts come in many forms. So even if you hate running, you can still find an activity that excites you and does wonders for your brain health. Consider trying out an aerobics class, dancing, cross-country skiing, kickboxing, or swimming – the options are endless, and all that matters is finding an activity that elevates your heart rate and makes you breathe harder for an extended period of time.
Start benefiting today
The beauty of aerobic exercise is that it’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. That means you can start reaping the benefits of a healthier, more robust brain today simply by incorporating some cardio into your routine. As an added bonus, the activity will do wonders for your overall well-being, with aerobic exercise being linked to improved mood, better heart health, and weight loss. In short, it’s a win-win situation.
By combining this newfound know-how with a commitment to sustained aerobic exercise, you’re on your way to a better brain, one new neuron at a time. So, get moving and start boosting your brainpower today!
