The Benefits of Exercise To Mental Health, The Body And The Brain

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https://youtu.be/BHY0FxzoKZE?si=p5Efxbm_MzFwxOhd


 "Exercise is the most transformative thing that you can do to your brain today-" Wendy Suzuki enthusiastically stated. This statement intrigued me as I used to think that, before watching her presentation on TED, our brain was, well, unable to be physically trained.

According to Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscience professor and researcher, it was observed in her lab that a workout or any form of physical activity improved the protection of the brain. She went on to research and discover more benefits of exercise to the brain by using her own brain as an experiment in her lab. These benefits included:

  • Improved memory due to brand new brain cells being produced in the hippocampus(a key structure located in the temporal lobe of the brain)which increases in volume as a result of exercise.
  • Improved mental health due to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine-giving a pleasurable and happy feeling, and adrenaline-induced motivation which increases focus for at least 2 hours after a physical activity (shown in Wendy Suzuki's Lab).
  • Increases the volume of the prefrontal cortex improving the ability to make decisions.
Exercise also physically improves strength and flexibility -improving perseverance and endurance, which ultimately increases emotional intelligence(EQ) too.

Reflexes are more alert due to exercise increasing blood flow and oxygen to the muscles and brain-"Studies have shown that a single workout will improve your reaction times," says Wendy Suzuki.
Exercise may also cause diseases such as Alzheimer's, and cognitive decline to take longer on having an effect when aging, says Wendy Suzuki. It also reduces the chances of being diabetic.

Not only is exercise the most transformative thing to do to your brain and body but can also cause long-lasting positive effects in the life of an individual such as a healthier and happier life.

So get up and move your body!



Attributions






Hi! My name is Henno, a BSC student in IT currently studying software engineering. I intend to share acquired IT-related knowledge and seek to dive into topics related to health and fitness, art and food.

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