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

in preventing several neurological conditions (i.e. Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, dementia, stroke, etc.) (“Exercise…”). Additionally, exercise “stimulates the brain plasticity by stimulating growth of new connections between cells in a wide array of important cortical areas of the brain” (“Physical…”). Increasing brain plasticity is crucial with age, as the human brain normally shrinks as one gets older. Enhanced brain plasticity has a plethora of benefits itself, leading to increased memory retention and better overall function (“Erikson”). The chemical processes that exercise stimulates are vital to ensuring proper biological function, as regulated hormones and neurological clarity are essential for transmitting information throughout the body.
Biologically, “many studies have suggested that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory (the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex) have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t” (Godman). This is due to the aforementioned increase in growth and survival of new blood cells and vessels in the brain. Overall, the brain volume, specifically in the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex, increases when one exercises regularly. Your heart rate also rises, more oxygen is sent to the brain, assisting glial cells with the transfer of data and communication between cells throughout the body (“Physical…”). Having more oxygen pumped to the brain “seems to benefit glial cells, the non-neuronal brain cells that support synaptic transmission and ensheathe neural fibers with myelin, a fatty substance that speeds nerve signaling” (“Exercise…”). The stimulus of these benefits is solely stimulated blood flow, especially to the brain, due to exercise.
The biological effects of exercise, however, aren’t limited to increasing cortex volume and assisting synaptic transmission.

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

body.
Exercise’s effect on our hormones is an underrated benefit. Psychologically, “the same antidepressant-like effects associated with "runner's high" found in humans is associated with a drop in stress hormones. A study from Stockholm showed that the antidepressant effect of running was also associated with more cell growth in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory.” (“Physical…”). Not only does exercise aid with depression, but it also can improve our learning capabilities and increase our memory faculties. And as a result of the chemical and biological processes exercise induces, “exercise improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety” (Godman). This prevents cognitive impairment, which will potentially lead to other chronic illnesses down the line, if not caught and taken care of properly. Those who are depressed and/or anxious may not necessarily know that exercise works as well, if not better than drugs, at aiding them of their symptoms.
Exercise is a means of improving our body, both externally and internally. And… it’s fun! It’s a shame that many Americans are unaware of the ample effects of exercise and how it stimulates an array of beneficial processes in the body. From improving heart heath, to unclogging arteries, to improving brain function, to aiding stress and depression, to improving our memory, exercise is a powerful weapon. Specifically, exercise improves brain function and has the potential to reverse the effects of aging on the brain and prevent illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, dementia, and ones we have yet to discover.