Exercise and neuroplasticity ~ Becoming the Greatest Expression of You

Exercise and neuroplasticity

I am often asked about the relationship between exercise and neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to change, to learn new skills, new thoughts, new emotions and new behaviors. So what does exercise have to do with that?

Exercise reduces stress, improves your memory, increases academic performance and boosts your immune system. Scientific studies suggests that physical activity facilitates neuroplasticity of certain brain structures and as a result cognitive functions. Exercise triggers processes facilitating neuroplasticity which enhances your capacity to respond to new demands with behavioral adaptations.

Very recent research suggests that exercise helps athletes recover from concussions. According to several studies, moderate exercise may help to restore the balance of the brain’s auto-regulation mechanism

Physical exercise increases blood flow to your brain and activates biochemical changes that enhance neuroplasticity. Exercise promotes new brain cells no matter how old you may be.

The studies also suggest that by combining physical exercise with intellectual exercise you can enhance both. The data also shows that you must maintain cardiovascular exercise to maintain the neurocognitive achievements.

Your body was created to move

It used to be that in order to eat, we had to plant, grow and harvest our food. In order to drink, we had to haul water from the well. And we collected firewood to stay warm.

Today, we sit at our key board to work, we drive the car to the grocery store and we entertain ourselves with the remote control in our hand. Most people aren’t moving.

Movement is necessary for everything that your body does. Your immune system, digestion and even your reproduction system require movement that begins with your musculoskeletal system.

You can eat the perfect whole plant-based foods, sleep eight hours a night, and use only baking soda and vinegar to clean your house, but without exercise, all of these worthy efforts are diminished at a cellular level, and your optimal wellness is inhibited.

Every cell of your body is designed with the wisdom to respond positively to physical exercise.

How much exercise?

How much exercise do you need? Actually, not a lot, but more than what most people are doing. Exercise does not have to be strenuous. But if you walked (or other cardio activity) at least three days a week for thirty to sixty minutes each day. It will have a positive impact on your brain.

You need only about three hours a week of brisk walking to halt and reverse the brain shrinkage that starts in your forties. Studies show that exercise will increase your brain’s neurons and the connections between the neurons.