There are more benefits to exercising than just losing weight. For example; exercise can be a crucial part of maintaining a healthy brain, as dr. Ruth Buczynski states. ( Ruth M. Buczynski, PhD,President and Licensed Psychologist of the The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine)
An article in the New York Times tells us that “the most encouraging exercise research this year focused on the links between regular exercise and improvements in our thinking and the structure of our brains”.
There is probably more evidence for this than for almost any other recommendation – the idea that physical exercise, particularly exercise that elevates the heart rate – cardio respiratory fitness – increases the density of the prefrontal cortex (this is the cerebral
cortex which covers the front part of the frontal lobe) as well as the function of the prefrontal cortex.
It is not very clear why physical exercise seems to target the prefrontal cortex so much. Researchers think it has something to do with the fact that the prefrontal cortex uses more energy than other parts of the brain.
When you engage in physical exercise, it is teaching the brain and the body how to use energy more efficiently.
You see brain-derived neurotrophic factor(a protein that is responsible for the growth and survival of developing neurons), vascular endothelial growth factor(a protein that stimulates the oxygensupply to tissues where the circulation is not good), and all these sorts of other factors that help the brain figure out how to better use energy.
If you want to make your prefrontal cortex bigger and stronger, you really should prioritize physical health and physical activity.
So what’s so important about strengthening the prefrontal cortex along with your abdominal muscles and thighs?
The prefrontal cortex is where willpower – the ability to resist temptation and power through tough situations – comes from. That means that if you strengthen your prefrontal cortex, you’ll be better equipped to deal with all your plans or with any problem next year.
Apart from the physical exercise I think it is important to do brain exercises that improve your memory as well. In the next newsletter we will advise you about these cognitive exercises.
In our center you can join the following activities to improve your physical activities:
* Yoga with Jaqueline Gijón every Tuesday and Thursday from 17:15 - 18:30 at 5 euros per class.
* Gym on the beach with Jutta Bruckner every Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 at 6 euros per class.
For your individual fitness program you can make an appointment with our physiotherapist Javier Valenzuela Gonzalez.
When you notice your condition is not what it used to be, and you want your heart checked by a cardiologist, you should make an appointment with Dr Pedro Chinchurreta Capote.
