Keep active for a healthy brain
|
|
Yoga for Seniors, Adults and Children
|
Exercise is often associated with physical, muscular or cardio health but the brain is part of the body too and also benefits from exercise. Yoga has long been cited as beneficial for cognition & memory, in particular inverted poses.
Moderate exercise has been believed to be beneficial for the brain, possibly due to increased blood flow and therefore oxygen, possibly due to stimulation of the nervous system through spinal movements or maybe because of changes in metabolism as a result of how the body copes with exercise.
In addition all activity, in particular if you are new to it, requires a great deal of concentration.
If you've ever tried aerobics or line dancing you'll remember how hard the mind had to work to move the right body part, in the right direction at the right time - brain training indeed! Now 2 recent studies have suggested a relationship between moderate midlife (or indeed earlier) exercise and a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment in later life.
They also show that a burst of high intensity aerobic exercise may be beneficial, especially for women, who already have the condition. So to keep the brain healthy, keep active by incorporating daily moderate exercise into your routine; for example a brisk walk, yoga practice, or a swim.
|