Stronger, Faster, Smarter (Video)

Physical exercise boosts brainpower for students and the elderly

Mary Carmichael’s article in Newsweek cites research showing how aerobic exercise increases Nerve Growth Factors, such as BDNF, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, called Miracle Gro for the brain by Dr. John Ratey in his book, SPARK, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

Understand why we need Daily Physical Education in our schools, and why all people throughout life, especially the elderly need daily exercise to maintain their mental sharpness.

Kudos to scientists William Greenough, Charles Hillman, Arthur Kramer, and physical educators performing a short Genetic Expression -- BDNF movement routine, all from Illinois, involved with moving this science forward!

Exercise Brain Growth

Move Your Feet -- Grow New Neurons in Your Hippocampus

Brenda Patoine’s article on the DANA.org website cites research suggesting neurogenesis (new brain cell growth) resulting from exercise (e.g. hour a day, four times a week). MRI scans show growth takes place in the dentate gyrus within the hippocampus, an essential part of our memory system. The research suggests that exercise helps protect your brain throughout your lifetime. BDNF, is a major nerve growth factor involved in new brain cell growth and connectivity according to Carl Cotman, neurobiologist at the University of California, Irvine.

Moderate Exercise Is Defined

Strive for 100 steps per minute, 30 minutes a day walking

Many body brain benefits derived from exercise are dependent on the intensity of the workout. 30 Minutes of moderate exercise, 5 days of week is often suggested by organizations, such as the AHA, American Heart Association.

BBC News posted an article showing the research at San Diego State University. Using a pedometer is helpful, however it fails to measure the intensity of exercise shown to release important body brain enhancing hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and nerve growth factors essential to optimized function.

Exercise Improves the Brain

How your inner athlete makes you smarter


Robert Nixon writing for Live Science has a fine article showing how aerobic exercise improves the brain creating new brain cells and improving the cellular connections. Carl Cotman explains how nerve growth factors come into play.

Ultimate Body/brain Resource

Neuroscience Education Resources Virtual Encycloportal

NERVE is an amazing website sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience. Enter the Subject/Theme, the Grade/Level and the Type of Resource you are seeking and presto! You will have free access to activities, animations, assessments, newsletter articles, case studies, curriculum materials, fact sheets, games, images/clip art, interactive web experience, journal articles, movies/videos, Podcasts/RSS feeds, pamphlet and booklets, Online exhibits, PowerPoint/slides, software, tutorial, and many links to Web resources related to neuroscience – phenomenal!

Exercise a Happy New You!

2009 is the Time to Create a Happy New You!

Imagine -- you are continually revising your molecular self. Sounds strange. New experiences can create new neural networks and communicating neurochemicals that change the way your body brain thinks, feels and responds... for better or worse.

I am so excited. New research reports that Nerve Growth Factors (BDNF, VEGF, IGF-1, etc.) are produced through exercise. Our Body Brain Boogie Blog will report this research, explaining how you and others can enhance your living and learning potential through physical activity. Be sure to send questions. ideas, articles and links to move our search forward. 2009 is the time.

Thanks for being a vital part of this exciting exploration!

Jeff Haebig
Wellness Quest

Grow New Brain Cells with Exercise

Stuff Your Brain Likes... suggests you exercise often

Compelling research shows how regular exercise releases Nerve Growth Factors, like BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) the brain's Miracle Gro. http://braingamessoftware.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/are-you-smarter-because-you-exercise-regularly/

Visit http://braingamessoftware.wordpress.com/ Stuff Your Brain Likes blog regularly to explore current brain research. This blog site is excellent! Be sure to add it to your favorites. Above all, move on this -- get hip! Grow your hippocampus brain cells connected to memory with exercise.

Jeff