Will regular exercise make me smarter?

The benefits of regular exercise at any level are well founded. In cases of depression and ongoing chronic pain in particular, doctors will recommend physical activity to their patients in order to relieve their symptoms. The reason being that keeping active releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, and also the concerted effort gives the sufferer a sense of taking control over their condition. But does exercise make you brighter, more intelligent, and able to fly through your maths test? According to studies, apparently so.

When exercising, several things occur. There is an increase of blood flow to the brain, a release of neurotransmitters, and only recently discovered, actually encourages the growth of brain cells and blood vessels. In the long-term these actions result in an improved cognitive response and memory, and the slowing of brain cell degeneration.

Younger children tested in this regard showed an increase in their development of motor skills when regular exercise was part of their routine. They fared better in tests and coursework, had a longer concentration time, and a better ability to take in and retain information than those without the prior exercise regime. Older students too, given reading and maths tests after physical activity showed a marked advantage on their fellow classmates. The results indicated that the participants were more alert, motivated, invigorated, focused, happier, and with more heightened senses.

Adults who regularly exercise at any level, whether that be with a personal trainer, gym workouts, squash or running, or through lower impact sports such as walking, playing bowls, or gardening, were proven to have an increased ability to deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. Routine physical activity slows the aging process, and delays the onset of dementia or alzheimers in the elderly. It also promotes a better sleeping pattern, which again is beneficial to the brain.

When feeling sluggish and lethargic, how much better emotionally and physically do you feel after a run or even a brisk walk. Taking the time to shake off the lethargy before that business meeting or writing that all-important paper, will improve your levels of concentration and energy, and help you think clearer. The psychological benefits of exercise affect our behaviour in other ways that also improve brain function. As the results of a healthy physical regime start to show and be felt, it's more likely a pattern of healthy eating will also start. So called 'superfoods' including whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, salmon, and avocado, have proven links with brain and cardiovascular health.

You may not become Stephen Hawking because you start a new exercise programme, but embarking on a regular routine, whether that's joining a gym and enlisting a personal trainer, or simply a brisk walk around the block and some stretching, will certainly improve your ability to focus and retain information, lower your stress levels, and combat health issues. Add to that, a new found vigour and vitality, a sense of well-being, and confidence. So, with all that in mind, surely it would be stupid not to exercise.

If you live in Perth and are thinking of checking out the local gym, Lords is a great facility with indoor courts, health and fitness equipment, fantastic group classes and an indoor heated pool all in a relaxed and friendly community environment.