Exercise doesn't have to be boring!
Although the word "exercise" may trigger images of sluggishly jogging on a treadmill in a dingy, humid gym, there are endless other options you should know about! Read on to learn how to make exercise more enjoyable, as well as which moves will help you get the best gains for your brain.
One Word: Aerobics
No, not aerobics like those jazzercise classes from the 80s. Aerobics like running, jumping, swimming, and cycling! Aerobic exercise describes any activity that requires a lot of oxygen and causes the heartbeat to increase. In one study by Bernstein and McNally, participants performed either cycling or stretching for 30 minutes and then completed a stressful task that was assigned to them. The researchers found that people who did aerobic cycling were better able to regulate their anxious emotions during the stressful task than the group who did non-aerobic or anaerobic stretching (2018). These effects can be even greater when the activity is performed on a regular basis. So find a fun high-energy sport that you love and get your blood pumping!
Aerobics for Brain Health: Neuroplasticity
Aerobics takes the cake again when it comes to physical activity for brain health. While you've already learned that exercise can improve the functioning of the brain's hippocampus (center for emotion and memory control), it can also improve the brain's ability to adapt to new information and environments (Kandola et al. 2016). These adaptations can be metaphorically compared to the way plastic bends so easily, hence the term "neuroplasticity". If you're ready to make your brain as flexible as your body, kill two birds with one stone and check out these exercise suggestions below!