Regular exercise is not only essential for physical fitness but also for the brain. As a matter of fact, study finds that exercise boosts memory. In another study, in just 10 days without exercise, researchers found a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Another study finds regular exercise is a valuable way for seniors in helping them maintain their motor skills. It does not have to be rigorous exercises to help maintain brain health. As simple as taking the stairs can provide amazing benefits to brain health.
However, some scientists want to take it to the next level. They want to know how much exercise is good enough to make a significant brain health improvement.
But before we go further, let us quickly explore how and why exercise is beneficial to the brain.
How Much Exercise Is Required For A Healthy Brain?
A recent study1 in the American Academy of Neurology says a person should exercise 52 hours for six months to benefit huge improvements in speed and thinking tests.
Moreover, there is no one exercise that gives a huge boost in brain health. Instead, the researchers found that a combination of various exercises such as aerobic, strength or resistance training, and mind-body exercises like yoga.
While there is no mention of HIIT(high-intensity interval training), it is a good idea to include it, especially HIIT leads fitness trend.
On the other hand, Joyce Gomes-Osman, lead author of the study says to CNN;
I don’t think 52 hours is really a magic number. There really is a range. But I do think that these results signify to us that in order to get the known benefits of exercise for the brain, to help areas involved in thinking and problem solving — to get that machinery going, you need longer exposure [to exercise]. Those are all mechanistic processes that take time to develop.
It simply means, the more you exercise, the better. In fact, consistent exercise throughout a lifetime can slow down the aging process. It is particularly helpful to start exercising at a young age.
In one study, exposing children to exercise at an early age allows hugely benefit their gut health. The long term benefit includes better brain health and healthy metabolism.
Exercise Is A Transformative Thing You Can Do For Your Brain
Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist, and author of the book Healthy Brain, Happy Life explains why and how exercise can transform your brain.