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It’s not always easy to make the extra effort to get in another half hour of cardio a day. However, if the improved heart health, muscle strength, and weight loss aren’t enough of a motivation, you may be interested to learn that exercise can boost your brain too. For seniors struggling with memory loss, exercise can even be a way to improve our brain’s ability to form new memories and hold onto the ones we have.

Exercise to Improve Memory & Concentration

he research shows that people who lead more active lifestyles have better memory overall. However, the tests also found that different types of exercise improve different types of memory.

For example, light exercise like walking has been linked with improved episode memory. This is the ability to remember details about daily events, like conversations with friends or attending a wedding of a family member.

On the other hand, more intense exercise like running and weight lifting has more of an impact on spacial memory. This type of memory is linked to the ability to remember the physical relationships between places and objects. That means it can be the perfect option for those who are constantly misplacing the TV remote or their car keys.

How to Exercise for Brain Health

As you can see, physical exercise comes with plenty of benefits to your brain. However, getting the most out of your workout isn’t always easy. Follow these guidelines for the maximum impact on your brain health.

Add Variety

One of the best ways to keep our brains healthy as we age is to introduce them to new experiences on a regular basis. Books, travel, and hobbies can all be a good ways to keep your mind active and strong. This also applies to exercise, which helps build new neurons in your motor cortex.

However, the way we exercise matters when it comes to brain health. Following the same exercise routine day in and day out can still keep the rest of your body healthy, but it isn’t the best way to stimulate your brain. Instead, try something new and challenge yourself. This can mean jogging a new route, adding new moves to your weight-lifting routine, or trying a whole new kind of class.

There isn’t any best exercise for your brain. Rather, adding variety to your physical fitness is the best way to stay engaged. Plus, it can be a good way to motivate yourself to stick with your regular exercise.

There are plenty of ways to spice up your regular workout. A new piece of equipment like a rowing machine might be just the thing you need.

Prioritize Aerobics

While there isn’t any single exercise that will boost brain health on its own, evidence suggests that aerobic exercise can have the biggest impact on brain health. Regular aerobic exercise strengthens your blood vessels and even encourages the growth of new ones in the brain. It’s always good to add variety to your workout, but make sure aerobics is at the core.