4 ways exercise promotes brain health

Movement matters. It matters for not only your body, but also your mind.

Studies show that habitual exercise can lead to better physical and brain health for older adults. Daily activity with Bold not only works the body, but also improves the mind.

Here are four ways you can promote your brain health through physical activity with Bold:

1. Improve cognition

According to the CDC, physical activity furthers cognition in areas such as executive function and processing speed. Participating in dynamic activities such as Bold’s dance classes can improve your “attention and focus,” which can decrease your risk for developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Boost memory

Harvard Health research suggests that adults who exercise have larger memory and thinking regions in the brain. In addition, exercise leads to the growth of brain blood vessels and brain cells, which enhances your memory. Staying active can help you stay sharp and in tune, all while making you feel better.

3. Support mental health

CDC research shows that frequent exercise can reduce your risk of developing depression and anxiety, the two most common mental health conditions in the U.S. Exercise can also decrease stress levels and lift your mood, mediating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In some studies, it was found that exercise can even have similar effects on the body as antidepressants. 

4. Improve sleep

Exercise is proven to help you sleep longer, better, deeper, and more efficiently. In turn, your body and mind can recover, which leads to better brain health. Johns Hopkins research shows that physical activity also helps your body release endorphins, which are chemicals that increase your brain activity. If you exercise in the evening, your endorphin levels can get “washed out,” allowing you to wind down easier as you fall asleep.