The majority of people who exercise are trying to lose weight and strengthen their heart. These are the two most commonly known benefits associated with aerobic exercise. However, not many people know that engaging in regular aerobic exercise has a profound effect on the brain. In fact, the effects are so beneficial, you would have to be crazy not to engage in aerobic exercise if you knew what they were, even if you weren’t overweight.
Aerobic exercise improves cognitive function.
You may be skeptical of this fact, but the research is rock solid. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 5 days a week, improves cognitive function. 1 It achieves this feat in two different ways.
Aerobic exercise increases levels of a very important protein, the brain-derived nootropic factor (BDNF). 2 This protein improves the process called neurogenesis which takes place in your brain. Neurogenesis is the creation of new brain cells. If you were told as a child you can’t make new brain cells, you were lied to. New brain cells are created in the hippocampus, the area of your brain which creates and consolidates new memories. Brain image research has shown that regular aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume by 2% and effectively reverses age related shrinkage by 2 years. 3 In short, running increases the size of your brain!
You already know that running improves the strength of your heart. However, there is a link between your heart’s health and cognitive function that many aren’t aware of. If you think of your brain as a computer, your heart would be its power source. Blood is delivered to your brain by your heart. That blood contains glucose and oxygen, the fuel your brain needs to carry out all of its functions. By strengthening your brain’s power source, you are giving your brain the supplies it needs to do anything you ask of it.
Aerobic exercise releases the same neurotransmitter that ecstasy (MDMA) does.
That was probably the last things you thought you would read today, but it is true. In case you don’t know what a neurotransmitter is, let me explain. Each of our brain’s contain billions of brain cells. These brain cells connect to each other via synapses. To communicate through synapses, your brain cells release electrochemical signals. These electrochemical signals are called neurotransmitters. Different neurotransmitters play different roles in your brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating your mood. Intense aerobic exercise and ecstasy both increases levels of serotonin in the brain. 4
Let me be clear, ecstasy is illegal and can be dangerous. I am not propagating its usage. It has such a profound impact on the serotonin system, that long term use can completely deplete one’s brain of serotonin and damage serotonin receptors. Many long term abusers are unable to feel happy because of the damage caused to their serotonin systems. The overwhelming feeling of joy that ecstasy users feel certainly comes at a price. Don’t use it! Aerobic exercise increases serotonin levels to a much lesser extent when compared to ecstasy, and it works naturally. You won’t damage you serotonin systems by engaging in aerobic exercise. You will simply be improving your mood on a day-to-day basis. That is why aerobic exercise is such a good stress reliever.
I know what some of you are thinking, “If I engage in enough aerobic exercise would it produce a feeling comparable to ecstasy?” Marathon runners have the answer to this question, and the answer is “Yes!” Many marathon runners report feeling what they describe as a “runner’s high”. One marathon runner stated, ” “I know people in my sport who are former alcoholics, or heroin addicts. They say ‘you know, I have a problem with addiction, but this is the healthiest I addiction I can have” 5
If you are every feeling low or depressed, running is the healthiest, and cheapest way to lift your spirits. At the same time, you are improving your cognitive abilities, strengthening your heart, and burning calories. So get out there and start exercising. It is the single most beneficial activity you can engage in!
