Kymberly Williams-Evans, MA
Get a sparkling life and brain via cardio workouts
We let go of him once he autographed my book.
Talk about good luck and great timing! Within minutes of arriving at Rancho la Puerta Fitness Resort we were seated for dinner next to none other than SUPERSTAAAAH, Dr. John Ratey. If you read Alexandra’s post from August 2012, you’ll know we drove 6 hours to the ranch specifically to hear Dr. Ratey speak in person. After all, he is THE expert on the connection between movement and mental power. After reading his book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,” I was eager to learn even more about how we can affect our cognitive skills via activity. (Plus I wanted my book autographed.) And who ends up getting seated inches from me but “John.” EEEEkkkk, groupie moment. Let’s get smarter as we progress through life!
So what news about boosting your brain through exercise did we glean from our brush with an intellectual celebrity?
1) Exercise is the Number One Youthener
Chasing down Dr. Ratey to sit with him again for dinner counts as cardio, right?
(Ok, Dr. Ratey actually said “anti-aging,” but we are not against aging. We are for aging as actively as possible, so I reworded the phrase. Literary license, people!). Dr. Ratey stressed this heavily in his book and presentation: nothing compares to the effect of movement when it comes to living life “younger” as nothing makes our brain cells work harder than exercise.
2) Motivate yourself with the knowledge that Exercise Offers Immediate Results
While we may not see results right away from our workouts, we reap MENTAL benefits within moments. The super important neurotransmitter is BDNF — Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. BDNF activates learning when we perform cardio. As Dr. Ratey (aka, my BFF and dinner buddy “John”) says, “BDNF is a crucial biological link between thought, emotions, and movement. Our neurotransmitters offer ‘cerebellum training’ during and after each aerobic bout.” That clear-headed feeling we get from working out is literally a head full of enhanced brain power and activity. Dr. Ratey offered this “insta-result” fact as a way to motivate ourselves to move more.
3) Challenge Yourself Every Day in Some Way
MoonSTRUCK or MoonSTUCK? Either way, Snap Out of Routines
New experiences and challenges enhance our cognitive skills (be smarter, stave off the odds of dementia, keep our memory strong, add brain matter and circuitry throughout life). Maybe we take a walk that goes left instead of right; or we change up our morning routine somehow. Perhaps we add intensity or complexity to an action we are already performing. Apparently the experiences we can create for ourselves to stay mentally strong do not have to be huge or entirely new. Even small challenges rewire our brains for the better. If you are in a workout rut, snap out of it (to quote Cher’s character in Moonstruck).
4) Find a Way to Inject Play into Exercise
Did someone say "play with Raaaa - taaaaay?"
All mammals play, so the more we can bring joy and playfulness into our workouts, the better off our brains will be. At the very least, play reduces stress. Lower chronic stress levels are related to a healthier life and stronger brain. In short, make exercise fun. Does this mantra from Fun and Fit sound familiar? If your current routine A) doesn’t exist; B) is not fun; C) is ho-hum routine, then challenge yourself to try new activities until you find the ones you enjoy. Like how you can combine tips 3 and 4 here?
Those were the highlights from Dr. Ratey’s talk. If you are keen to get even more keen, read Spark, ideally right after working out… at Rancho la Puerta! That would be a really smart move!
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IM SO SO SO BANKING ON THIS ALL BEING TRUE
Miz recently posted..Role model Monday: It’s how I do.
So are we, Ms, Miz, so are we!
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..End of Summer Trip to Rancho la Puerta
I love “youthener”- way better than anti-aging
I have to admit, my sister is weird with words. Now I want a youthener in my morning smoothiee!
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..How Yoga Can Help Your Mind
is reading on the elliptical like a kegel for your frontal lobe?
I have issues.
You’re well aware of that.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed recently posted..Peeing on Trees with Flying Cows.
Yes, as long as your forehead squeezes the heck out of the elliptical hand rails. Squeeze, release.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..Back Stretches: Wrong and Right Way Tips
There is also a ton of science showing that exercise is an effective treatment for mild/moderate depression. Personally, I have had a handful of clients who were able to get off their anti-depressants thanks to exercise…and my sunny personality
BTW, I love that line from Moonstruck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY
Doug recently posted..Faith and Fitness
Doug, as a person who took a Master’s in counseling, I love reading that research too. And our mom knew that intuitively, as she would tell people to go for a run around the block whenever they were “down.” Moderate depression is a bit murkier, but the evidence is really clear for mild depression. Thanks for sharing that info.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..Tips to Look Super Cool and Totally Hot on Camera
One of the many reasons I will never give up teaching Step class! Not only do I have to think while I’m performing the moves, I have to CREATE them before hand, CUE them a few seconds before I do them and THINK about the next pattern before we even finish with the current one!
My brain is going to live FOREVER!
Tamara recently posted..Is the paleo diet right for you? My experience with going grain and dairy-free
You have it exactly right Tamara! All of those actions make you smarter. I can’t wait to see your vampiric brain living forever. Wait, that means I’ll have to live forever in order to observe your brain. Guess I’d better get to step class.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..Finding Neutral Spine
But my life and brain already sparkle profusely from knowing Alexandra!
That is because I sprinkle Alexandra fairy dust wherever I go. Don’t confuse it with an early snow. Actually, I suspect that sparkle you feel is actually bits of your brain shorting out.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..How to Be Enchanting? 5 Tips: Part 2
If what Tamara says is true then I must be a genius! Oh but she forgot motivate. We also motivate as we create, cue and think. No wonder I’m exhausted.
Kristen recently posted..How Do You Know If You’re Over training? Signs, Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Even I’m smart enough to know that Tamara is a genius. And obviously, so are you or you wouldn’t have thought to add motivation. Now I think I’ll jog in place while eating breakfast!
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..Want to Be Enchanting?: 4 Tips, Part 1
Lovin’ this post! Great tips!
Kierston recently posted..WIAW: Easy Bake Egg White Soufflé!
Loved reading this! I’m going to find the book the next time I’m at B&N.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday and A Menu Planning Challenge
I really want to buy into this (well, I do) b/c losing the mental edge worries me as much as the physical edge. I think I need to work on that play aspect!
misszippy recently posted..I’ve got my fall half picked out!
Turning 55 in a couple months so I am saying that I think this may be true but hoping it keeps that way as I keep again!
Great post!
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Running Help – Saved Me!
So this is why I feel like I’m still 18 most days? Now if I could just get down in the American splits again….
Yes! I feel so much “sharper” all day long after I exercise. Love the tip about including play in your day!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Menu Planning Link Up Challenge
I agree and great reinforcement! My new challenge today is taking the subway by myself to downtown San Francisco
Kareen recently posted..Winner of the Adora Calcium Giveaway!
These are great takeaways, especially the idea of incorporate play into exercise and every day life. I particularly like “youthener” too – genius.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..It’s Fitbloggin’ time!
Hi girls,
I do know that exercise keeps me feeling really good mentally and physically, and the best part is that it prevents premature aging. By the way, looking at that picture made me a little dizzy:)
Mariella Lombardi recently posted..No-Nonsense Tips to Remove Toxic Thoughts from Your Mind, Always Feel Positive about Yourself…And Slim Your Waistline
I loved this post! As if I didn’t need another reason to add to the millions of reasons why it’s good to move, I now have another really important one!
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