Does exercise really boost brain power?

It goes without saying that nowadays people are experiencing less-demanding lives because technology has made everything easier. We are currently living in a world where we are relying on virtual chats to keep connected with our teams, friends and families, but even before recent events that have turned our lives upside down, people are less active than previous generations.

NHS England has said that “We move around less and burn off less energy than people used to.” We choose to drive or use public transport instead of walking, use machines to do our chores and entertain ourselves in front of a computer or television screen, and generally fewer people are doing manual work.

“To stay healthy, adults should try to be active every day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities.” – NHS England.

During lockdown we were given the luxury of outside exercise for one hour a day, remember that? Seems crazy now I don’t know about you, but that time slot became so precious to me and my wellbeing. I read once that the brain is a lazy piece of meat but when you go for a walk it lights up like a Christmas Tree! I love this image and the fact that something so simple can make me feel better, I have since kept up with daily running, cycling, alone and with my family and I feel more motivated than before lockdown to develop and better myself.

Did you know that getting your sweat on can…?

• Increase functional activity of the temporal lobe, improving the storage of sensory memories.
• Develop cognitive function for overall mental performance, learning and decision making.
• Help prevent brain aging and treat degenerative diseases such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s.
• Release endorphins and a sense of euphoria to help reduce anxiety, depression, stress levels and lessen the ability to feel pain.
• Improve self-confidence and self-esteem as you become faster, fitter and stronger.
• Increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), helping to maintain and regenerate nerve cells.
• Reduce the effects of Parkinson’s disease relating to the impairment of brains cells and loss of coordination.

The Force Four Training experts have created dynamic and interactive courses based around the knowledge that physical activity boosts brain power. Our award-winning training programmes will not cause death by PowerPoint but in fact will put your teams in the best frame of mind to react to the information being given to them and the best chance to retain it.

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Reference: NHS England Exercise Health Benefits