by Nadia Sinclair

Beyond the commonly known benefits of keeping us fit and on guard against heart diseases, workouts also enhance the health of our most important organ – the brain. Once, it was a widespread belief that our brains stopped growing at 18. The latest breakthroughs in medical imaging technology have shattered this myth. The brain grows all throughout our lives, transforming and adapting.
Neurogenesis – the birth of new neurons – may not be at its peak as in our toddler years, but the fascinating process continues in our brains’ memory centers. Engaging in specific workouts encourages the growth of new neurons. Moreover, these exercise routines may be customised based on the specific cognitive enhancements you desire, according to an extensive review published by the ‘European Review of Aging and Physical Activity’.
As mentioned by Kim Plaza, well-known nutrition connoisseur to Bio-kult, resistance training aids in easily transitioning between tasks, while aerobic exercises aid concentration power. Exercise benefits us by increasing our brain’s oxygen supply. Aerobic exercises enlarge the hippocampus, a key brain structure that handles verbal learning and memory, while HIIT significantly slows cognitive decline.
Dr. Brendon Stubbs, a notable researcher in exercise and mental health, asserts that the impact of regular physical activity on our mind is phenomenal, urging people to be more active for cognitive perks. So if you’re ready to get your neurons fired up, here’s a selection of brain-nourishing exercises:

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

After four months of dedicated HIIT regime, there are noticeable enhancements in memory, planning, and decision-making abilities. The following workout integrates coordination, which activates the cerebellum and boosts cognitive versatility and processing speed:

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2. Brainy Run

Even a short run can show brain benefits, creating rapid electrical activity in the hippocampus after just 10 minutes of light jogging. Here’s a brain-geared running session:

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3. Weightlifting Wisdom

Resistance workouts show significant brain benefits with three 30- to 40-minute sessions a week. Here’s a brain-boosting weight workout for you to try:

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4. Dive Deep For Smartness

Aside from promoting blood flow to the brain, swimming and its bilateral crossed-pattern movements offer even more brain perks. Here is a 30-minute swimming workout for increasing your brainpower:

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5. Go With The Flow

A twenty-five-minute daily serving of hatha yoga helps elevate cognitive abilities linked to goal-setting. Here’s a hatha yoga routine to boost brain health:

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