How Exercise Effects Your Health: Exercise Affects Body And Brain

The physical benefits of exercise are apparent to most, but what is not so apparent is the effects that exercise has on the brain. Research is now showing that aerobic exercise has the ability to boost brain power. Studies conducted with groups of individual fifty-five and older have found that aerobic exercise has led to a significant improvement in motor function, auditory and visual attention and memory and reasoning processing speeds.

It is believed that this remarkable improvement in cognition is due to blood circulation in the brain, which improves brain metabolism leading to the productions of neurotransmitters and the formation of new synapses. The physical benefits of improved cardiovascular health leads to decline in heart disease, which is well known to inhibit normal brain function.

Another physical benefit of aerobic exercise that benefits healthy brain function is its ability to lower blood pressure. Studies that have been done with individuals between sixty and seventy four show that the best cognitive performance is found in individuals with normal blood pressure.

Another benefit to regular exercise is its ability to help alleviate depression by releasing powerful mood lifting brain chemicals that act has natural antidepressants. One study conducted with one hundred fifty six individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder found that regular exercise was just as effective as antidepressant drugs in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Most people understand that physical exercise is essential to maintaining good physical health in the long run. The challenge for many individuals who have been inactive for a long period of time and may have develop health conditions is the belief that they need to wait until they feel better before beginning a workout program. The truth is that regular exercise is the key to feeling better and preventing the condition from become worse. Some health conditions may require consultation with a physician before beginning a new training program.

Beginning a new exercise program is challenging at first. People who believe they are incapable of exercising get tired sooner and end up quitting before any benefits are seen. It is important to believe in yourself. After the first month of regular exercise a habit will begin to form. Low feelings about the way you look and feel will begin to diminish and self-confidence will begin to develop. As you begin to look and feel better, your self-confidence will become even stronger. Developing an unwavering, positive mental attitude towards exercise is the key to long-term success.

When choosing an exercise program, look for one that you are most likely to enjoy. Some people need to be outdoors in order to enjoy working out. Others are content exercising in a gym or in their own home. Find out what you like best. Experiment with different types of exercise to find the one that is best for you. Keep the program interesting by rotating the aerobic exercise so there is variation.

According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention), an adults workout program should consist of aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening to improve health. The minimum amount of exercise recommended is thirty minutes daily of moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as a walking at a fast pace. Two or more days a week should include exercises that work all the major muscle groups. Another option is one hour fifteen minutes of vigorous aerobics such as running and two or more days of resistance training that work all the major muscle groups.

It is important to get motivated and begin your training. Avoid procrastination. Procrastination soon leads to forgetfulness. If you act now, you have a great opportunity to improve your health and stay healthy for a lifetime.