Exercise and your brain.

So, in keeping with our attitude about shifting gears for mo better training, let’s talk about your brain.  If you desire to continue your favorite sports for a long, long time then having a healthy brain goes along with having a healthy body. 

Dr. Terry Eckmann, PhD talks about how exercise will create BDNFs.  Now how cool does that sound! Can you imagine talking to the guys at work about how many BDNFs you made lately.  OK, let me explain what BDNFs are, and why they are good for you before you hit the delete button.

BDNFs are Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors. Basically growth hormone chemicals for your brain or as Dr. Eckmann says think of it as”Miracle Gro “for your brain.  For all of you computer geeks out there, think of it as adding OnLive Desktop Plus.

Exercise will provide your brain with a healthy dose of freshly oxygenated blood and with the boost in circulation; and it helps to keep those arteries open and unclogged. Both resistance training and cardio/aerobic training will help in different ways. ”If you only do one thing to keep your brain young, exercise” says Art Kramer of University of Illinois psychology and neuroscience department.

And just like fueling your body for sports with protein/carb mixes, you should think about good nutrition for your brain. I like to look at the overlap of the teachings of Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Mehmet Oz.  You can visit their websites for more in depth information on nutrition, if so desired.

Remember, at Coach K fitness we train smarter-so you need that healthy brain.