Fitness for Life: Relationship between the brain and the body

“It is crucial to have an active lifestyle, do regular exercises to help manage symptoms, prevent chronic diseases, and promote overall well-being”

Doesn’t this advice sound so familiar! It is easier said than done. But let’s see if understanding the neuroscience behind it provides you with a deeper appreciation for its transformative power.

The Neuroscience of Exercise:

Our bodies are designed for movement. Historically, physical activity was essential for survival. Today, while our lifestyles have changed, our bodies still crave movement. So let’s see how exercise helps pretty much everything from brain fog to aches and pains. Every time you move your body you are releasing a whirlpool of neurochemicals in your brain. Do you think I am talking about running a marathon or doing dead lifts –not really!! I am talking about just a 10 minute walk. Just a 10 minute walk can cause physical changes in your brain by forming new connections with existing neurons. These is called neurogenesis. It's like planting new seeds in a garden, but instead of flowers, you're growing brain cells. So what is this whirlpool really? It’s the release of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, endorphins and growth factors. These are the

hormones that make you happy. Further, growth cells grow in the hippocampus and plays a critical role in formation, maintenance and regeneration of skeletal muscles. So next time you see an athlete or a body builder it seems logical to link their exercise-induced stimulation of growth hormones with the hypertrophy observed in exercising muscles.

It’s never too late to start.

So lets get up and create this BIG BRAIN WHIRLPOOL. The more you exercise bigger the whirlpool. For beginners:

1. Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with light weights and gradually increase intensity to allow your body to adapt.

2. Focus on Form: Proper technique is crucial to prevent injury and maximize benefits.

3. Be Functional: Choose exercises that mimic daily activities to improve overall quality of life.

4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is especially important during and after exercise.

5. Listen to Your Body: If you have joint problems or other health concerns, modify exercises as needed.

6. Make It Social: Exercise with friends or join group classes for added motivation and support.

7. Mix It Up: Combine different types of exercise to keep your routine interesting and target all aspects of fitness.

Overcoming Barriers to Exercise:

Time, money, and convenience can be barriers to exercise. However, there are many ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life. Consider:

· Home-based workouts: Exercise at home using bodyweight exercises or resistance bands. While having a cup of tea, simply walk with weighted cuffs around your ankles.

· Walking: Incorporate walking into your daily routine, such as walking meetings or parking further away from your destination or keeping a bottle of water away from your desk.

· Group activities: Join a walking club, dance class, or other group activity for social support and motivation.

Ready to take charge of your health and fitness? At Kinex Health, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're starting a new exercise routine or looking to address specific health concerns, our team of experts are ready to help.

Stay active, stay healthy, and embrace this new chapter of life with confidence and vitality!