3 Secret Benefits to Exercise

Regular exercise can benefit your health in more ways than one. When you exercise, you breathe more deeply, causing your cells to become more oxygenated and resulting in an overall health boost. Increased oxygenation can help your brain continue to develop well into adulthood, along with plenty of other health benefits. Exercising is so much more useful than just a way to stay in tip top shape. Continue reading as we uncover three secret benefits to exercise.

1. Memory improvements

Aerobic exercise, like walking, has been proven to positively affect the brain–specifically the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for emotional control, learning, and memory, and its growth prevents the natural atrophy of brain cells. The hippocampal part of the brain is able to grow due to the increase in blood vessels that supply oxygen to this area during exercise, as well as the development of new brain cells. 

2. Development of new brain cells

Studies have shown that continuous exercise increases the protein “BDNF,” which is short for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. BDNF is critical to brain health, because it’s the protein that allows for the growth of new nerve cells and regulates mood as well as other cognitive functions. Low levels of BDNF can lead to various mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.

3. Improved mental health

Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally relieve stress, improve your mental health, and boost your self-confidence. Did you know that something as simple as ping pong can physically improve your mental health? Simple exercises like this involve both socializing and hand-eye coordination–two factors that have been linked to increasing brain thickness in areas responsible for emotional welfare. 

Want to learn more secret benefits to exercise and wellness? At Independence Wellness & Pulse Center, we can help you create a customized wellness plan that will restore your health in every area possible. Dr. John is a certified Egoscue postural alignment specialist who has been practicing for over 33 years. Egoscue exercises are designed to help bring your posture back into alignment for lasting pain relief and long-term health benefits. Contact us today to learn more about how Egoscue exercises can change your life.