Essay On The Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise

It is no secret that staying physically active is a great way to maintain a balanced lifestyle, stay healthy, and stay happy. But why is this so? According to Harvard University’s Health Blog, exercise directly changes brain structure, enlarging both the prefrontal cortex and the medial temporal cortex, improving memory, learning, as well as critical thinking skills (Godman). These effects, combined with the release of endorphins, improve your mood by jump-starting several biological processes, thus reducing stress and relieving anxiety. There are numerous positive benefits of aerobic exercise on the brain, from a chemical standpoint, a biological standpoint as well as from a psychological one. Chemically, the “ benefits of exercise come directly from its ability to reduce insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors—chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells” (Godman). This process, known as neurogenesis, counters the primary ramifications of aging on the brain, and helps with mental clarity, decision making skills, and organization. In the long run, this continuous growth of new blood vessels and the survival of new brain cells aid

The increased blood flow also “aids the bodily release of several hormones, all of which participate in aiding and providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells” (“Physical…”). Brain cells are vital for proper function of the entire body and growing new brain cells has several known benefits (such as reversing the risk of Alzheimer’s), and potential benefits which have yet to be discovered. Exercise is able to aid both the micro and macro biological processes by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen levels to cells all over the