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.
