Sure, we all know that exercise can help make you stronger, have more stamina, and become more mobile. But those aren’t the only reasons to exercise. In fact, our members are so savvy that I often learn from them that coming to Bliss is a major part of their mental health practice – it reduces their stress and makes them happier.
But let’s dig even a little deeper into the brain benefits of exercise. I’ll try not to get too nerdy.
Owing to the immediate effects of the increase in neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline after exercise we can
⬆️ improve cognitive function
⬆️ improve ability to shift and focus attention
⬆️ improve reaction time
So if you want to feel better, keep your brain sharp, maintain focus, and be faster to react, all you have to do is get moving! These effects after a workout have been measured to last up to two hours post-exercise.*
As you’re building your skeletal muscles and improving your cardiovascular health, you’re also literally growing your brain and making changes that matter in the long run. (see link at the bottom to neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki’s talk.)
Exercise changes the way the brain works.
New neural pathways are built as a result of exercise. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are the areas of the brain most vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. These are the areas of the brain that actually grow in size as a result of exercise and become more resilient to the effects of those diseases.
Did your eyes just glaze over reading that paragraph? (Mine did a little.) Suffice it to say that I know I’m not going to live forever, but while I’m alive I want to be able to remember my family, friends, and remain independent. I bet you do, too. We can increase our odds of reaching that by staying active.
Well, that got a little dark there for a moment, but it’s important for us to realize how what we do now really does impact our future. When we empower ourselves with knowledge and options, we can wield our power for good!
*If these nuggets of wisdom got you curious, here are a couple of short (11 – 13 minute) TED talks on the subject.
? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki on The brain-changing benefits of exercise
? Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and researcher at Harvard Medical School John J. Ratey, MD’s talk Run, Jump, Learn!
If you want to harness these benefits for your brain and body, and you need a kickstart, we have a program for you!
Join Kelly for 6 weeks to kickstart you into a morning routine that will show you just how strong, confident, and resilient you can be. We’ll show you that working out can actually be something you look forward to!
Here’s what is awaiting you:
- Progressive and effective programming towards goals (instead of random workouts)
- Measure your progress and see the proof of your hard work!
- Accountability so you don’t fall out of routine
- Community to support you
- Playful workouts to keep it fun
- Feedback and support on your form so you don’t get hurt
- Shame-free positive encouragement
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays April 18 – May 25
Time: 7:00 am
Investment: $239 (less than $20 per session)