Working out the brain and the body

As children, we are in a continual state of learning; as our motor skills develop, we are acquiring and practicing new skills. So it would make sense that this process needs to continue into adulthood and logically into old age if we are to keep our minds alert and functioning at an optimal level.

Neural pathways – along which information travels through the neurons (nerve cells) - dictate how information travels through your nervous system. Every time you learn something new neural circuits are altered in the brain. When we learn new skills, we are defining new neural pathways.

This is true when you learn a new exercise. The terms “exercise” and “skill” can used interchangeably. Something as basic as a pushup, is a skill. If you are doing it for the first time, your body has to figure out where everything should be in space before it can incorporate the movement pattern. Leaving aside the strength required to perform a pushup, the skill required to perform a pushup takes time and practice. A pushup demands a coordination of mind and body.

If you practice martial arts, dance, or any skill-based art, you’ve experienced the challenging pursuit of coordinating your mind with your body. And if you wish to maintain a healthy mind into old age, you should continue your practice. This is what scientists are telling us. To exercise the mind, it must be exercised by challenging the brain to learn new skills. This means doing more than just mental exercises like puzzles. It means working the body in new ways and opening up those neural pathways. Physical exercise in conjunction with brain training increases your cognitive functions.

It is true that exercise alone is beneficial for brain functioning, but the integration of physical and mental challenge is associated with enhanced brain function. Workouts that involve coordination, rhythm and strategy integrate different parts of the brain resulting in improved cognitive functioning than either physical or mental activity alone.

When choosing movement options for better health and longevity, make the most of your time and effort, by continuing to challenge yourself physically. Consider these guidelines for mind/body health:

• If it’s good for your heart, it usually good for your brain
• Aerobic exercise improves brain function and also helps to repair damaged brain cells
• Circuit training is beneficial because it redirects your attention from one exercise to the next
• Morning exercise spikes brain activity and prepares you for the mental stresses of the day
• Aids in retention of new information
• Improves reaction to complex situations
• When you are feeling mentally exhausted, doing some jumping jacks or similar coordination exercise may help rejuvenate your brain

Doing the same thing day in and day out can get stale. Adding variety to your routine not only helps prevent plateaus in your performance but keeps your mind active as well in order to build biomotor capability. Change up your workout or choose an activity that incorporates coordination along with cardiovascular exercise, and keep your mind and body young!