Bold Guide: Exercise for brain health
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep a healthy mind and body as you age.
Improve your brain health and physical health with Bold’s online exercise classes that can be taken anytime, from anywhere. Bold’s personalized exercise programs are designed for older adults by clinical experts.
Sign up for Bold, available for FREE through many health plans and providers, and get moving today!
What’s brain health?
Brain health refers to our brain’s ability to function optimally across different areas, including cognition, motor function, learning, and emotional function. Brain health is determined by many factors, including age, conditions, diseases, and lifestyle choices.
Research shows that making certain lifestyle changes as you age can help prevent cognitive decline. Practicing healthy habits like regular exercise, not smoking, having a balanced diet, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can positively impact brain health, and even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Exercise and brain health
Exercise can help improve memory, learning skills, problem-solving, and emotional balance. Exercise does this by influencing your brain in 2 key ways:
Improved health of the structure, tissues and cells of the brain.
Improved connections and communication between brain cells.
Other lifestyle choices such as eating well, participating in social activities, and working on cognitive tasks can also support the health and function of your brain.
Many different types of exercise can help maintain brain health as you age:
Cardio exercises such as dance and aerobics increase blood flow to the brain, which helps prevent dementia and cognitive decline.
Strength training helps build muscle mass, and is shown to improve cognition and memory.
Mind-body exercises, such as Tai Chi and yoga, combine movement sequences with breath control and attention to help with coordination and learning.
Dual-task training, which involves thinking and moving at the same time, helps improve cognitive function.
Tips to get started
It’s never too late to experience the benefits of exercise for the body and the brain. At Bold, we’re here to help you establish an exercise routine so you can maintain your brain health.
Try something new. Safely challenge your body and brain by exploring Bold’s variety of classes from strength training to Pilates to dance.
Take a brain health class. Improve your mind-body connection with Bold’s special classes that combine exercise drills with cognitive tasks.
Start slow and build up. If you’re new to exercise, consult with your healthcare provider before getting started. Ease into your new routine, and set goals to stay on track as you move.
Exercise with Bold
Boost your brain health with Bold.
Bold’s online exercise classes are designed to improve physical and brain health. Choose from hundreds of video classes designed for older adults by our team of physical therapists, doctors, and researchers. Check if you’re eligible for Bold at no cost through your healthcare provider or plan, and get moving today.