New research has emerged on how exercise can maximise the brain-boosting powers of physical exertion. While it is well-known that exercise is good for the body, it has become increasingly apparent that it is also good for the brain. Scientists, such as David Lubans from the University of Newcastle, Australia, believe that exercise is one of the most important things one can do for the brain. Researchers are now investigating why this is the case and how individuals can best utilise the brain-boosting powers of physical exertion.
One of the first pieces of evidence linking exercise and the brain was found in the 1990s by geneticist Fred Gage, who discovered that exercise can stimulate the birth of new brain cells. Since then, research has increasingly focused on how different types of exercise can affect the brain. For example, aerobic exercise has been found to improve attention, memory and mood, while strength training can improve cognitive function and the ability to perform everyday tasks. In addition, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been found to improve memory and cognitive function.
Researchers are also investigating how frequently one needs to exercise to see these brain-boosting benefits. While studies have suggested that even a single bout of exercise can improve cognitive function, it appears that regular exercise is necessary to achieve long-term benefits for the brain.
Ultimately, the research suggests that exercise is not just good for the body but also for the brain. By understanding the types of exercise that can improve cognitive function, and how often one needs to exercise, individuals can maximise the brain-boosting powers of physical exertion.