Exercise causes a protein called IGF-1 to travel across the -brain barrier. Once in the brain, it gives orders to produce an important substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which serves as the “fuel” for thinking. Regular exercise naturally builds up the levels of BDNF in the brain, allowing new neural pathways (i.e., learning) to occur.

Scientists have also discovered that neurogenesis, i.e., the production of new neurons in the brain, can be instigated by cardiovascular exercise. BDNF production affects the hippocampus (specifically, the dentate gyrus) which controls memory and learning.

Increased levels of this substance appear to reverse the age-induced deterioration of this part of the brain. In addition, exercise also increases the size of the frontal lobes, the areas responsible for higher level mental tasks such as planning and decision making.

The neuro-chemical relationship between exercise and mental functioning is increasingly being clarified by the research. The results indicate that exercise facilitates learning and slows down the deterioration brought about by the aging process.

We all know what needs to be done…