I’m sure that many people, especially students, constantly
make up excuses to not go to the gym or to exercise because they don’t have
time. I know from my own personal experience, I have skipped a gym session or
two because I had to write a last minute paper or had some sort of assignment
to complete.
However, making time for some exercise could actually help
you finish those assignments sooner. In a recent study, a research team from
the University of Iowa evaluated over 100 cases and concluded that resistance
training and aerobic exercise BOTH give your brain a boost—in different ways.
Cardio workouts usually involve long and constant effort
(depending on how they are performed). Scientists believe cardio activities can
improve your cognitive ability to carry out multiple tasks for long periods of
times.
On the other hand, strength/resistance training requires
a great deal of focus to maintain proper form. You must also concentrate on
your breathing, and tune out others around you, while maintaining a steady pace
and time, depending on your fitness goals. Researchers believe that the more
you perform focused resistance training exercises, the more you will be able to
avoid distractions in other areas of your life. As such, exercise is helpful
for students (like me) when having to write papers, especially when on a
deadline, as their brain activity would function faster.
In the results of the studies, brain scans showed that gray
and white matter in the prefrontal and temporal lobes of the brain had actually
grown after only six months of exercise. Since these are spots that usually
diminish with age, exercise (whether it’s strength or cardio) can help keep you
thinking sharply as you grow older.
Not only does exercise keep you sane, working out at the gym
may also help you sprout new cells in the dentate gyrus, an area of the brain
vital to memory, according to a 2007 Columbia University study. These researchers
measured blood volume in the brains of adults who exercised four times a week
for four months and found that all that activity generated more neurons.
If you needed another reason to go to the gym, there you
have it. Not only does working out benefit your appearance, it replenishes your
brain and allows you to think! There are no more excuses to NOT go to the gym
anymore.
Take a look at this video for more information:
Running after my child in the house or dancing while I'm cooking doesn't count as exercise?
ReplyDeleteyour blog is very informative. I always knew that excercising could affect you positively mentally but didn't know how much it could do.
ReplyDeleteI always know that I feel better and more focused after exercise but I have such trouble getting motivated in the winter! With this spring weather I'm getting back into the groove though! Too bad school is almost over.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janine. I learned something new. It's time for a brain boost.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I actually try exercising, I feel good, both physically and mentally. Those instances, however, are rare.
ReplyDelete