Improve Memory Function For The Rest Of Your Life

Improve Memory Function with Resistance Exercise

Next time you see someone moving weights at the gym or doing a set of press ups don't trash the idea because you think it is all about mindless muscle building. Realize that resistance exercise does more than just build muscle and increase bone density - it can reduce the risk of memory loss too and so improve brain function.

When we build lean muscle mass we increase the amount of specific brain factors that stimulate growth and repair, especially in the memory centre. This encourages the growth of new brain cells and protects existing brain cells from damage, which improves your memory.

Weight training or Pilates not your thing? That's OK - Cardio exercises like walking, swimming, rowing, and biking also have benefits in raising the brain factor that help us keep our marbles in tact. So if you enjoy a daily walk - go for it.

Aerobic Exercise to Improve Memory Function

When we exercise aerobically our breath quickens, our heart pounds, our muscles get stronger, even our bones get somewhat denser, but that's not all, you may never have guessed it, but our brains benefit from the workout too! Exercise will definitely improve your memory.

Yup - the extra oxygen flow to the brain increases brain connections. Increased brain connections over time means better brain function, that means you will improve your memory.

Research has shown that -

• Women who walk in their middle age have been shown to keep their brains sharper as they age then those who do not stay active.
• People who were physically fit were considerably mentally fitter than those who were not fit.
• Exercise improves levels of focus and attention in middle age in those who were physically fit at age 36. This was true also of a group of older exercisers tested whose brain function compared as well with younger adults proving that it is never too late to start!
• Conversely adults who lose substantial bone and muscle mass through lack of exercise, have been shown to be at greater risk for developing dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) as they age.
• An increase in these brain factors also results in the formation of a richer network of interconnections among brain cells, which is vital to improve brain function.

Cross training to Dramatically Improve Brain Function

Interestingly, the research also shows that while a regular pattern of exercise like a daily walk keeps your body conditioned and helps improve memory function, for peak brain performance cross training, using a diverse exercise program that changes often, works even better.

So don't dismiss resistance training out of hand - try adding it to several activities you like doing- walking, aerobic group fitness, dance, yoga, cycling, rowing, boxing etc. and rotate them to significantly improve brain function.

Taking Up New Activities will also Improve Memory Function

In addition to the exercise you are already doing, try something totally new or that you haven't done in a while - golf, tennis, samba, orienteering, and so on, to challenge your brain.

You'll not only gain the satisfaction of mastering something new or becoming re-acquainted with something you used to love doing, but your brain will also become sharper which will improve memory function!
Every new thing we learn hooks up new circuits in the brain that grow stronger with repetition and become weaker or even disconnect with lack of use.
Nowhere is the phrase 'use it or lose it' more apt than in keeping the edge on your memory and exercise.
Exercise then is one of the master keys that will improve memory function throughout your life.