Monday, May 07, 2007
RealAge Tip
Total Recall
Imagine the muscles of Arnold and the mental powers of Hawking . . . It may not be science fiction. A buffed-up bod can make your brain more "bionic." Exercise actually induces cells to grow in areas of the brain related to memory. Here's how quickly you can expect a brain boost from your workout.
Shortcut to a Better Brain
In a study, people's performances on a memory test improved after completing a 3-month aerobic-exercise program.
But physical exercise isn't the only fast track to a keen intellect. A mental workout helps, too -- whether it's changing something that's part of your daily routine (the route you drive to work, the hand you use to move your mouse, the preset stations on your car radio) or tackling big brain challenges like learning a new language or solving the New York Times crossword puzzle.
Imagine the muscles of Arnold and the mental powers of Hawking . . . It may not be science fiction. A buffed-up bod can make your brain more "bionic." Exercise actually induces cells to grow in areas of the brain related to memory. Here's how quickly you can expect a brain boost from your workout.
Shortcut to a Better Brain
In a study, people's performances on a memory test improved after completing a 3-month aerobic-exercise program.
But physical exercise isn't the only fast track to a keen intellect. A mental workout helps, too -- whether it's changing something that's part of your daily routine (the route you drive to work, the hand you use to move your mouse, the preset stations on your car radio) or tackling big brain challenges like learning a new language or solving the New York Times crossword puzzle.
