The Benefits of Exercise On Brain Development
Our programs can include at least twenty minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Increasing the heart rate during exercise stimulates the production of growth hormones and stem cells. As one gets older, this becomes increasingly critical to offset the effects of aging.
Research has shown that exercise slows the deterioration of the brain as people age. Ideally, one should train at 80% of their target maximum heart rate (link to the chart showing maximum heart rate) for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and research indicates that a combination of this and strength training is most effective.
Another significant benefit to exercise is the impact on weight management, and research is beginning to show that obesity also has an impact on brain functioning. In studies conducted over the last twenty–five years, researchers found a direct correlation between increasing body size and shrinking brains. There are a number of theories about why an increase in body mass index (BMI) leads to atrophy in the brain. First, fat tissue in the brain may increase certain hormone levels that increase brain cell deaths. Second, an increase in fat, which damages blood vessels and creates blockages in the heart, may do the same thing in the brain. Earlier research indicates that being underweight is also undesirable for brain function, so it seems clear that the brain functions best in healthy bodies.
Studies have revealed that excessive stress can change the brain’s “hardwiring”, particularly in the areas that control emotions and executive functions. Exercise is a great stress reliever, but so often, people fail to exercise when their workloads increase or their lives become unmanageable. And so, stress may lead to depression, and depressed people often resort to junk food, alcohol, caffeine and sweets. Thus, a very negative cycle is created that is difficult to break. We encourage clients and parents to order their lives so that daily exercise is sustained even during busier periods.