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Health & Fitness

Exercise for a happier, smarter and more productive brain!

Everyone knows exercise is good for your body. One physical benefit, for example is that being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (the “good” cholesterol) and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This helps promote healthy blood flow and decreases your risk for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death for both men and women. Exercise can in fact help prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.The mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise, however, are not as highly publicized or understood as the physical benefits. I recently read a book called “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,” in which author John J. Ratey makes a very strong case for the direct relationship between physical exercise and brain function. He cites several studies that show that exercise enhances our learning ability, lowers stress and anxiety, helps the aging brain stay young, and can even help with things like ADHD, addiction, phobias, depression and more.The book gets pretty technical with the science behind the exercise/brain connection, but here’s the basics: moving our muscles produces proteins that play roles in neurogenesis (creating new neurons in the brain) and the repair of synapses. It also helps the production of hormones such as serotonin and norepinephrine that regulate mood and make us feel happy and confident. Also, aerobic exercise increases brain capacity by growing new capillaries. This means that exercise makes us better learners too!The Brain after sitting  The Brain after 20 minute walkIt is nice to see that what my clients and I have experienced with exercise having a strong positive effect on our mental state has strong scientific evidence behind it. In summary, you have the power to change your brain for the better. All you have to do is work out! 

This Blog was written by Gabe Schillinger, Certified Personal Trainer at Body Kinetics Health Club.

Gabe is offering a FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION at Body Kinetics Novato Health Club to anyone who mentions this Blog. Just call (415) 895-5965 to schedule your session. First time client of Gabe only.

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