Exercise: A Life Changer

Exercise and the brain:

There are so many reasons to exercise. One, is that it greatly benefits the brain. Exercise induces several beneficial responses in the brain, one of which is an increase in BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotophic Factor, a protein in the brain and spinal cord that regulates neurogenesis: the process of creating new neurons in the adult brain. It helps to maintain the life of your brain cells, as well as grow new ones. Scientists now know that our brains are able to adapt, grow and change depending on what we do with them. BDNF is widely accepted as playing a key role in this ‘plastic’ ability of the brain – its presence has been shown to make brain cells in petri dishes sprout new branches (necessary activity for a cell to make new connections!) Low levels of BDNF have been associated with depression, anxiety, poor memory and brain degeneration as seen in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Exercise and your lifespan/healthspan:

Exercise can extend your lifespan. Recent studies have shown that people who regularly exercise live as much as a decade longer than sedentary people. Even more importantly, it can increase you healthspan. Exercise is extremely important in our outlook and mood. When we exercise, endorphins are released in our brain, which naturally improve our mood. Studies show that 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily produces the same effect as an antidepressant. 

Exercise and disease prevention:

Exercise can also help with disease prevention. Exercise causes our bodies to release myokines into our blood. These are proteins that help our immune system fight and even kill cancer cells. A recent study which was done on breast cancer patients showed that a 30-minute exercise can increase the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream. 

Exercise also lowers the risk of dying with heart disease.

It also helps build stronger bones, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Exercise and muscle mass:

Exercise, specifically weight training, increases our muscle mass, which is very important. When we enter our 40’s we start to lose muscle mass every year. This increases our chances of falls and injuries. So building up and storing muscle mass over our life time is a big part of preventing this later in life.

Exercise in my life:

I love doing adventurous things with my family and friends. When I decided to start doing girls' hiking trips, I was thrilled. My first one included a 14 mile hike over two mountain passes. My legs were killing me. I was extremely out of breath and not excited about hiking the next day. I came home and got into a weight lifting and cardio routine. I've gone on multiple trips since then, and have loved them. I can do the longer, harder hikes. More than that, I enjoy the hiking, God's creation and my time with friends so much more! And it's all because of exercise!

I would love to partner with you to plan an exercise routine to help you on your journey to wellness.

One on One Wellness/Fitness/Nutrition Consultation

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