What Does Exercise Do To The Brain?

When you hear people say exercising is good for you, trust them.  Our bodies are designed to be mobile. It has been said that our bodies have immense capabilities but we limit ourselves consciously because we want to stay in a comfort zone. Yes, when something seems too difficult and too strenuous, we actually tell ourselves to stop trying and be comfortable.

What Does All Of This Have To Do With Exercising And The Brain?

Many studies have come out relating the benefits of being physically active and mental aptitude. One study in particular showed that in rats (a common test animal to compare to human physiological responses) exercising actually improves serotonin levels which has antidepressant effects [1].

What Can We Take Away From This?

An antidepressant acts to improve our outlook on situations and on life. So, someone who trains regularly has a similar physiological response as to the rat and as a result has a much more improved outlook on situations and on life in general!

The Brain Thrives Off Of Exercise

Another study reviews exactly what is going on that proves exercising to be beneficial for the brain [2]. This study shows that exercising increases synpatic plasticity which means the brain can “fire” off signals more rapidly. Also, and just as important, exercising increases brain vascular function; better blood flow means a more oxygen rich environment and as a result healthier brain cells more capable to perform their functions. This review studied the effects of exercising on the hippocampus (a region of the brain) and shows that exercising has a beneficial effect on central and peripheral growth factors, which acts as an initiator to inducing structural and functional change throughout our bodies.

Alzheimer’s Disease Doesn’t Like Exercise

Lastly, exercising has been shown to have positive effects on Alzheimer’s patients [3]. This study was set up to see if exercising could improve activities of daily living (ADL) for patients with Alzheimer’s. After a 12 week training regimen, these patients showed marked improvement in joint mobility and coordination which allows for more independence and is all attributed to exercising and the brain’s plastic nature to adapt even when affected by such a debilitating disease.

If you need motivation check out our other topics, also try out our Free Workout Generator consisting of body weight, at home, and muscle specific (legs, back, arms, etc.) workouts!

So to conclude, if you’re not physically active now - start. Any physical activity is better than no physical activity.

Sources:

1. Exercise training: Significance of regional alterations in serotonin metabolism of rat brain in relation to antidepressant effect of exercise
2. Exercise builds brain health: key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation
3. Exercise Training is Beneficial for Alzheimer's Patients

Any physical activity is better than no physical activity.