Member Rating:
How Walking Benefits Your Brain
Have you ever noticed that after a brisk stroll you suddenly remembered where you put your lost car keys or you figured out how to prioritize your to-do list? As you were walking, you were not only toning your leg muscles and improving your cardiovascular health but actually giving your brain a workout, flexing those areas responsible for memory, goal-setting and problem-solving, as well as focus and concentration.
“When you walk on a regular basis, the repetitive motion stimulates and strengthens the neural circuitry in the brain,” explains Gary Small, M.D., professor of psychiatry and aging at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Small points out that an invigorating, heart-pumping walk has the added benefit of boosting the amount of oxygen-filled, nutrient-rich blood to your brain, vital for optimal cognitive performance.
What’s more, new research suggests that walking, unlike some intensive forms of aerobic exercise, doesn’t require your body to compete with your brain for glucose, another key component in the bloodstream that the brain depends on to do its best — and fastest — work.
As a low-impact exercise, walking is less likely than other forms of exercise to put stress on joints and cause injury. Brisk strolls are an ideal choice for seniors who want to get into shape: Studies indicate that the more you walk as you grow older, the sharper your thinking and memory skills become and that walking can actually help reverse the signs of aging in the brain.
The benefits aren’t just limited to adults: Studies also show that children who increase their aerobic fitness with regular exercise such as walking significantly improve their math, logic and reading test scores.
How often do you need to get moving for the ideal brain benefits? Aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking at least three times a week. Even if you’re feeling unmotivated, just get out there; adding regular walks to your weekly routine is more important than their intensity or length.
Rate this article:
Post a Tip or Comment
SHARE
