The BEST Type of Exercise To HEAL Your BRAIN! | The Brain Professor
Beneficial Exercise Types:
Aerobic Exercise: This gets your heart pumping and increases blood flow to the brain, which is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients. Activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming are all excellent choices.
Resistance Training: Strength training not only builds muscle but may also help improve cognitive function and memory, especially in older adults. Weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands are all effective options.
Balance and Coordination Exercises: Activities like tai chi, yoga, and dance can challenge your balance and coordination, which can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often incorporate mindfulness aspects as well, providing additional benefits.
Incorporating a Mix:
The ideal approach is to incorporate a combination of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and balance/coordination exercises into your routine. Here’s a possible structure:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
Include strength training exercises that target all major muscle groups at least twice a week.
Add balance and coordination exercises 2-3 times a week.
Find Activities You Enjoy:
The most important factor is to choose exercises you enjoy and will stick with consistently. This will ensure you reap the long-term benefits for your brain health.