Would you be interested in an activity that builds brain cells while at the same time tones your abs and pumps up your biceps? A group of scientists, in white lab coats, have recently discovered that exerciseis not only an effective way to help you improve your physical performance, it’s also one of the best ways to boost your brainpower!

Yes it turns out that regular exercise is more than an effective way to improve your physical performance, it’s also has loaded with major cognitive benefits. Your Brain on Exercise:

1. Exercise prevents cognitive decline

A result of consistent exercise is that we now know that it prevents early cognitive decline. As we age, our brain begin to suffer consequences as the effects of neurodegeneration take a toll. In people with dementia, exercise can boost their ability and function to perform activities of daily living. Researchers have noted that exercises improves cognitive function. Statistically, those with poor cardiovascular health, i.e. sedentary folks, are up to 8x as likely to develop dementia.

Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24617099

Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24604561

2. Exercise is Neuroprotective

Exercise protects the brain from neurotoxins.Parkinson’s disease patients have destruction of the neurotransmitter dopamine, from neurotoxins.Dopamine is a neurotransmitter connected to thebrain 's reward and pleasure centers and helps to regulate emotion, and the urge to seek reward.Dopamine deficiency results inParkinson's Disease.

One of the most effective ways at protecting your brain from falling victim to neurotoxicity is to exercise. Regular exercise is now proven to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. Evidence suggests that exercise prevents our brains from the effects of some neurodegenerative diseases.

Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24262162

3. Exercise relieves Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety can be crippling, impair cognitive functioning and leave us feeling overwhelmed in social situations. Exercise to the rescue! Aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and sensitivity to stress.Exercise is an effective cure for anxiety disorders – helping patients cope with and even overcome anxiety issues.

Source:https://ulib.derby.ac.uk/ecdu/CourseRes/dbs/currissu/Salmon_P.pdf

4. Antidepressant effect

The best antidepressant drug, may not be a drug after all! Exercise can be your one way ticket out of the blues. Everyone benefits from exercise, even those with severe depression. Exercise participants notice a sense of accomplishment and report they are better able to handle stress. Aerobic exercise is proven to enhance the production of endorphins and other important brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine.

Dopamine production helps us feel good about ourselves. The reason so many people are depressed may in part be due to lack of exercise.

Source:https://ulib.derby.ac.uk/ecdu/CourseRes/dbs/currissu/Salmon_P.pdf

5. Boost IQ (Intelligence)

Did you know that kids that exercise demonstrate an increase in intelligence scores, when compared to sedentary counterparts! If you too would like to wear your smarty pants throw on some sweat pants and begin a regular exercise program. Research agrees: exercise can help you maximize your intelligence!

Source:http://www.pnas.org/content/106/49/20906