Friday, August 29, 2008

Brain Rule #1

Exercise boosts brain power.




A while back Rannoch of Kettlebells Scotland mentioned the book Brain Rules. I put it on my to-do list back then and have now started reading the book. I have to say it is a well written, easy to read and understand book that discusses how and why our brains work the way they do along with ways to improve our brain health and performance.


Rule #1 stems from the fact that our brains evolved to solve problems related to survival in an outdoor, uncertain environment while moving. Based upon man's migration patterns, scientists estimate that our ancestors typically walked an average of 12 miles each day. That's quite a bit of cardio!


So exercise boosts brain power. And it doesn't have to be a lot. At a minimum, it has been shown that at least walking every day increases brain power. Performing an aerobic workout for 30 minutes only 3 times per week has shown great results. Adding in a bit of resistance training goes even farther.

My take away... keep swinging them bells. You get the best of both worlds, keeping you both physically and mentally healthy into old age!

I'll continue to provide my brief review of the chapters as I make my way through the book. Swing 'em high y'all!!

4 comments:

Franz Snideman said...

My take away... keep swinging them bells. You get the best of both worlds, keeping you both physically and mentally healthy into old age!

Sounds like a great book. I've heard about it!

I agree with you man!

hunashaman said...

I don't think it is working for me. I'm distinctly dumber than I was a few years ago ;) Nice post buddy. I'll have to get hold of that book. I see the rehab is moving along slowly but surely. Good work!

Aaron Friday said...

Yeah, keep swinging them bells so you don't have to walk 12 miles.

Howie B said...

Aaron, we are very lucky. We get to swing the bells while standing in one place. Our ancestors used to walk those 12 miles each day always uphill!!