Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body. It has been shown time and time again that exercise helps to strengthen the body’s muscles and bones and reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. What many people tend to overlook, however, is the profound impact exercise can have on the brain.

People who exercise regularly tend to have better mental health and experience less mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. With exercise comes better sleep, increased energy levels, less stress, and improved self-esteem. Exercise has also been shown to improve brain function, boosting memory and thinking skills. There are several ways that exercise positively impacts the brain: it increases oxygen delivery, aids in the release of brain cell growth factors, decreases stress hormones, and increases endorphin levels.

Here’s the bottom line: when you hit the gym, you’re not only exercising your body – you’re also exercising your brain.

Lauren Betancourt

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