Fit School, Epping, Pilates, Fitness, Running,Women, Mid Life, over 40 , Fat Loss, Strength, Diet
Three ways that you need to exercise in order to keep your brain sharp as you get older.
We’re talking not just 40s, 50s or 60+, we’re talking about over the age of 35 which is when your brain might otherwise start to show signs of decline.
And we’re not just talking about preventing decline. If you’re struggling with staying sharp or feeling like you’re losing your edge, this advice is absolutely for you too. It’s brain first aid (without the caffeine).
1. STRENGTH TRAINING
One of the main types of exercise you need to do is is strength training. Without question this is the top of the tree and the absolute ‘must do’ of types of exercise. Anything that helps you to exercise and train your muscles will enable your brain to function at a much higher capacity than it could prior to doing strength training. This is true at any age but it’s particularly beneficial as we get older to help combat cognitive decline.
It’s something we’ve noticed with our clients and class participants that when they do a resistance training workout they just feel sharper for work.
On the same note there’s evidence that’s linked muscle loss with brain atrophy, so keep your muscles stronger and bigger and you keep your brain stronger and bigger for longer.
2. PUZZLES AND NEW SKILLS
The second way you need to exercise has everything to do with puzzles and skills and it’s essential for your nervous system. Find ways to exercise that challenge your brain. You know that puzzles are good for you and you know that challenging yourself with a new task or trying a new skill is really good for you as well.
Something like learning a new sport as you get older would be fantastic and it doesn’t necessarily have to be hugely physically challenging (although that would make it even more beneficial). Learning new skills helps to just layer on neural pathways to help keep your brain busy and your nervous system robust.
3. INTENSE CARDIO-VASCULAR EXERCISE
Finally, we have blood vessels in the brain which can only be maintained
through high aerobic exercise. These areas of the brain are important for keeping us alert, active and help to slow down the onset of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
These tiny blood vessels are vital to our brain function but they’re only maintained as we age through high intensity aerobic exercise.
For example: A cardio or aerobic workout that leaves you feeling out of breath and slightly uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be sustained for a long period of time to be beneficial and it’s relative to your current level of fitness.
Just make sure every week to include the following in your activities programme:
- Strength and conditioning
- A puzzle, cognitive challenge or something that’s skills based.
- High intensity exercise that makes you feel slightly out of breath and uncomfortable.
Want to know more?
Check out our YouTube playlist on exercise and brain health.
Or get in touch via email with the subject ‘Exercise for brains’ and let us know how we can help. EMAIL US at info@fit-school.co.uk
More posts like this:
6 Ways Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Work Out
Over 50 or Close How to Prevent a Saggy Bottom