I recently started reading Brain Rules, and one thing I’ve learned is that exercise boosts brain
power in addition to a host of other things. Here’s what it does for you:
- stimulates the protein that keeps neurons connecting
- increases cognitive performance
- makes your muscles and bones stronger
- improves your strength and balance
- helps regulate your appetite
- changes your blood lipid profile
- reduces your risk for more than a dozen types of cancer
- improves the immune system
- buffers against the toxic effects of stress
- decreases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
- halves your risk of dementia
- cuts your risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%
All you need is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise two or three times a week.
This inspired me to exercise more regularly. Since it’s easier for me to
exercise when I have a goal to work towards, I’m training for the Columbus 1/2 marathon.