Fit Body, Fit Brain

This isn’t the first time we’ve elucidated the brain benefits of staying physically fit, particularly cardio fit, and we doubt it will be the last. According to a growing body of research, exercise promotes healthy aging – of body and mind. The latest: a review that highlights the neuroprotective mechanisms involved in endurance exercise.

Among the brain benefits associated with such exercise, according to the researchers: improved cerebral blood flow, reduced inflammation and enhanced neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to “rewire” itself – adapt and change, allowing for both the creation of new neural connections and recovery from injury). All three – blood flow, inflammation and neuroplasticity – are affected by age and thus affect brain aging.

But keep in mind that it’s not specifically endurance exercise that benefits the brain; according to the researchers, “Emerging evidence suggests that sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles accelerate brain ageing, while regular physical activity, high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), or a combination of both, can mitigate cognitive impairment and reduce dementia risk.”

In other words, consistent exercise is the key. If you’ve been struggling to stick to a workout routine or just want to ramp yours up to maximize your body/brain fitness, talk to your doctor.