Hello there!
Do you have an AI bot friend? I admit it, I do. t feels like ChatGPT is my ultra loyal, non-judgmental friend, no matter how perfunctory or repetitive I am. “She” replies to every request as if helping and flattering me is her favorite thing to do. She’s relentlessly kind, always available.
That’s the idea – but it feels like I’m giving away some brain power.
Use technology as a tool, but don’t let it eat up your brain cells.
It started with flip phone storage of friends’ and family members’ numbers and loss of memory of the numbers. Yup. GPS navigation too. Offloading more brain cells. Now we can ask for and receive information instantly. I can’t remember the last time I opened a big, fat dictionary or an encyclopedia.
We can enhance cognitive ability with crosswords, Wordle, Sudoku and other games, and new science: the shingles vaccine can decrease risk of dementia .
But did you know that you you can bolster mental acuity even more effectively by lifting weight – meaning heavy weight (relative to you/your proficiency)?
The most powerful tool for the brain is strength training.
It’s been scientifically proven that strength training benefits not only your physical health but also your mental health. Strength training in particular has been shown to improve cognitive function and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections). But that’s not all – research shows that regular strength training can actually help reduce the likelihood of all-cause mortality and even dementia.
Challenging movements and unfamiliar body mechanics help your brain stay sharp and resilient.
When you engage in heavy lifting (remember that “heavy” is relative to you, your proficiency for the the exercise, and the volume), your brain gets a serious workout. Learning unfamiliar body movements like the mechanics of high intensity indoor rowing, and the techniques of heavy lifting, and executing the emovements are the most powerful tools to strengthen the brain.
The mental and physiological benefits are real: lifting weights helps release growth hormones and stimulates the release of endorphins, the mood-boosters that used to be mostly associated with cardio. This means that your brain and body are not just functioning better, you’re also feeling better as a result of resistance training – lifting heavy weight.
NEWS! Stay tuned for upcoming online workouts – train on your time, anywhere!
Start at any age.
I began strength training in my 50s, and now 20 years later I’m stronger than I was in my 40s.
If you’ve had a history of lifting and let it slide, start again.
Train smart, lift heavy.
Book your training: Get Up Keep Moving
Onward~
x
Polli
2 Responses
Love this
So glad you read the blog Cathy. Love seeing you in every workout too.