Seems like in addition to a healthy, fit and better looking body, EXERCISE makes ya smart too.
Just checked out a seriously interesting book by Harvard psychiatry professor John J. Ratey, called Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.
Ratey claims that the numero uno benefit of aerobic activity is to improve brain function. What amazed me the most in this book was that his claims go against traditional wisdom, which have always believed that our brains are like hard-wired computers that are unable to be improved upon.
Ratey’s findings showed:
- Exercise produces proteins that enhance thought processes
- Relieves clinical depression
- AND makes you a lot smarter
If you think that this is all nonsense, and that exercising is simply restricted to benefits such as losing weight, getting/staying in shape and showing off a better/healthier body, I beg to differ. Since I started training 5-6 days a week, kick starting my day with a solid 60 minute morning workout – I have felt sharper, more focused and more responsive throughout my days. In addition to this, my energy levels have increased dramatically.
Am I smarter now? Only god knows. But I do believe that regular exercise can increase your overall well-being – which can result in a more positive attitude and open minded outlook on life. Which ultimately ignites going for what you truly want, being passionate about it, and making sure you achieve it – and if you think about it, that makes you a helluva lot smarter than you would have been had you opted not to hit the treadmill.
Start or keep exercising gosh dammit.
