STIMULATES GROWTH OF NEW BRAIN AND MUSCLE CELLS
Exercise not only builds brawn, it has been shown to stimulate the growth of new brain and muscle cells. This gives a whole new meaning to mind-body fitness.
Brain: A study published in the March 12-16, 2007 early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that people who exercise do better on memory tests. Exercise targets a region of the brain within the hippocampus, which is associated with normal age-related memory decline that begins around age 30 for most adults. Using an MRI imaging technique, researchers were able to identify neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) following exercise. Another study presented in October 2007 at The Obesity Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting showed that aerobic exercise improved the decision-making and math skills of children aged 7 to 11 years old. Researchers recommend incorporating moderate exercise in schools as a way to improve the cognitive and academic skills of students.
Muscle: A study by the Buck Institute for Age Research investigating the effects of weight training on muscle cells in older adults indicates that resistance training can actually rejuvenate muscle tissue. Not only did the participants – who lifted twice per week for six months – experience an increase in strength, they experienced changes in their muscle cells that made them similar to muscle cells seen in younger adults. Researchers were pleasantly surprised by the results because this study indicates the potential for exercise to actually delay the deleterious effects of aging. PROMOTES WELL-BEING AND REDUCES MENTAL DISORDER SYMPTOMS
The January 2008 issue of The Mayo Clinic Health Letter suggests 30 minutes of daily physical activity to – in addition to the physical benefits – maintain mental wellbeing. Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, improve sleep and boost moods. In addition, studies show that moderate exercise can reduce fatigue and increase stamina – having more energy and being in a better mood are benefits that also help you deal with stress.
In addition, a series of scientific reports from the Karolinska Institute suggests that exercise can be a complementary form of therapy for depression. The mechanism underlying the benefits of exercise on mental health have to do with exercise’s ability to stimulate new brain cells (see above). A number of other studies also suggest that exercise can be used as a complementary treatment for depression. The reason is that exercise may have a synergistic or additive effect combined with anti-depressant medication, which could provide significant benefits over medication-only treatments. It is also believed that exercise can change neurotransmitter levels, namely serotonin, in the brain. These changes in neurochemicals have been reported to help improve symptoms of depression. IRREGULAR EXERCISE CAN PACK ON THE POUNDS
Think the extra weight you gained during your winter hibernation is going to easily come off in the spring and summer? Think again. A recent study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise indicates that weight gained during an exercise hiatus can prove tough to lose, even when exercise is resumed. Further, the study suggests that people who exercise less to begin with will have an even harder time losing the weight gained due to periods of inactivity or irregular exercise. This means the key to staying to trim is to stay active, consistently.JUST DO IT!
Regular exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity can make you look and feel younger, boost your cognitive abilities, lift your mood and ability to handle daily stressors, and, in general, improve the quality of your life. And who doesn’t want that? A consistent daily half-hour of exercise is all you need.
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