Researchers at Ohio State University have come up with yet another reason we should be exercising more. We already know most of the reasons:
- Heart health
- Better respiratory health
- Endurance
- Fitness
- Youthful mobility
- Fit into a great pair of Levis
Now we can add a younger mind to our list of “Why I should be grooving and mooving my butt instead of lounging on it.”
Back to the study: With just 10 weeks of regular aerobic exercise, participants improved their emotional, physical and cognitive skills. More signigicantly, one year later, when the researchers followed up on this group of people – those who had kept exercising had more mental gains, while those who’d apparently had all the mental benefits they could stand and quit lost what they had gained.
WHY is exercise so significant for our minds? Most of those in the know (I’m so past the word researchers.) believe it’s because of the increased oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Increaded oxygen and increased blood flow. Both – Always very good things.
Okay, mental zealots, get moving. Start out with just three days a week. Take at least an hour out of the day and move. Work vigorously in the yard, tackle the floors of your house, take a long, brisk walk, play tennis, or put on some Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Motown, or Bon Jovi and move like a maniac. The last one makes your cat’s day.
Work up getting the extra activity 5 or more times a week.
Here’s a great online tool you might like, at Prevention.com (great site): Calorie Burner. It’ll give you an idea of how much energy you’re using and how many calories you’re anteing up with different activities. While there, you might want to have a look around – there are some really good articles loaded with all kinds of useful information. It’s a frequent hang-out of mine.
Small print – if you have any pre-existing health problems or concerns, please don’t do anything beyond what you know is safe. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor – (s)he’ll love the fact that you’re interested in more activity.
Have a ridiculously great day. Be safe, be active, and be there for those you love!
Make each moment count double,
~Joi
Hollywood Yesterday
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