The gradual fading of mental sharpness is a natural part of the ageing process. It’s something we all, to varying degrees, will inevitably experience during our twilight years. Yet, despite the gloomy outlook, it’s becoming increasingly clear that cognitive decline is something we can battle against. Various studies have concluded that we have a certain degree of power when it comes to halting, or even minimising the effects of the deterioration of a brain that’s long in the tooth. Researchers from around the globe have found that committing to regular bouts of exercise can play a significant role in keeping our minds sharp. In fact, it turns out that working out could well be the ultimate weapon.
Change your mind
For many people, exercise is not just about physical fitness; it’s also a path to maintaining and improving mental health. The brain benefits of working out have long been understood, and these positive impacts are becoming clearer as scientific knowledge grows. Exercise is, for example, a simple yet highly effective means of boosting dopamine and serotonin, key chemicals for happiness and motivation. These chemicals can endure long after a workout has ended. What is perhaps less well known is the fact that exercise can also keep our brains operating healthily as we age.
“There are many aspects in which exercise can directly influence cognitive function by positively impacting brain activity,” says Antonina Pereira, professor of neuropsychology and neuroscience at the University of Chichester. “Exercise bolsters cardiovascular health, which increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This fosters new blood vessels and invigorates brain cells, enhancing cerebral function.
Bu hikaye Men's Fitness UK dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Men's Fitness UK dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
DRESS TO IMPRESS
In the latest campaign from Charles Tyrwhitt, rugby player Marcus Smith and cricketer Joe Root are taking the lead and stepping up their offduty game with some sharp summer outfits. From tailored linen to comfy chinos and lightweight blazers, summer just got stylish
Sleep is crucial for both metabolic health and athletic performance
How well, and how long, did you sleep last night? It’s an important question, because in its Sleep Manifesto 2024, The Sleep Charity notes that a whopping 43% of adults sleep less than the NHS-recommended seven to nine hours.
CARDIO SWEAT
Elevate your aerobic fitness and fast-track fat loss with this cardio workout from the Movement Blueprint founder Harvey Lawton
THE LEARN ROPES
Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it offers a number of serious health benefits in Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it off ers a number of serious health benefi ts in a budget-friendly and convenient formula that can be done virtually anywhere
MOUNTAINEERING IS ABOUT THE TENSION BETWEEN HUMAN NATURE AND MOUNTAIN NATURE.IT'S ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DYING
MF meets mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner
BUDGET BEATS
Apple’s new low-price buds punch well above their price tag
FITNESS GOALS
Teddy Sheringham’s playbook for staying in shape in your fifties
Summer SIZZLERS
Fuel your summer with these fresh, high-protein recipes
THE MONT BLANC MONSTER
The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is among the most challenging and prestigious trail running events in the world. Typically held annually in the last week of August, it circumnavigates the iconic Mont Blanc massif. Covering approximately 106 miles, with a gruelling elevation gain of around 32,800 feet, the race demands exceptional endurance, technical skill, and mental fortitude – as Dominic Bliss witnessed for himself at last year’s event…
FEEL THE BURN
Training for HYROX? This lung-busting workout from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete Jake Dearden will get you race ready