Want a Healthier Brain? Here’s the Best Exercise, According to a Scientist
Hi everyone, John here! Today, we’re talking about something we all want: a sharp, healthy brain that stays that way for life. We often think about exercise for our bodies—our muscles, our heart, our waistline. But what about our brain? Is there a specific type of workout that gives our mind the biggest boost? Well, according to one leading neuroscientist, the answer is a big YES. And it might not be what you think!
Let’s dive into what the science says about the absolute best way to flex your mental muscles.
The Big Secret: It’s Not Just About Sweating
When you think of a good workout, you might picture running on a treadmill, lifting weights, or getting your heart rate up in a spin class. And don’t get me wrong, those things are fantastic for your overall health, including your brain!
But neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D., author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life, points to something more specific and powerful for building a better brain. The ultimate brain-boosting exercise, she says, is learning a new and complex physical activity.
Think about it: an activity that doesn’t just make you breathe hard, but also makes you think hard. It’s about engaging both your body and your mind at the same time in a way that’s new and challenging for you.
Why Does Learning New Moves Supercharge Your Brain?
This is where things get really interesting. When you do a simple, repetitive exercise like jogging on a familiar path, your brain can kind of go on autopilot. It knows the routine. But when you try to learn, say, a new dance combination, a tennis serve, or a martial arts form, your brain has to work overtime in the best way possible.
You’re asking it to coordinate new movements, remember sequences, and pay close attention. According to Dr. Suzuki, this intense focus stimulates different parts of your brain, particularly the cerebellum (which is involved in motor skills) and the prefrontal cortex (your brain’s ‘CEO’ for decision-making and focus).
This process builds new connections between brain cells. It’s all thanks to an amazing brain feature called neuroplasticity.
Lila: “John, that’s a big word! ‘Neuroplasticity’… what exactly does that mean for someone like me?”
John: “Great question, Lila! It’s simpler than it sounds. Think of your brain as a giant network of roads. When you do the same thing every day, you’re just using the same old, well-worn highways. But when you learn a complex new skill, you’re forcing your brain to build brand new roads and bridges to places it hasn’t gone before. Neuroplasticity is just your brain’s incredible ability to physically change and rewire itself based on new experiences. It’s literally making itself stronger and more connected!”
Becoming a “Mental Gymnast” with Cognitive Flexibility
This kind of learning doesn’t just build new pathways; it also improves a crucial mental skill called cognitive flexibility.
Lila: “Okay, another one for you, John! What’s ‘cognitive flexibility’?”
John: “That’s another fantastic question. Imagine you’re trying to solve a puzzle, but your first approach isn’t working. Cognitive flexibility is your brain’s ability to easily switch gears, try a new strategy, and look at the problem from a different angle. It’s like being a mental gymnast—agile and adaptable. Learning a complex new sport is a perfect workout for this skill, because you constantly have to adapt to a moving ball, a partner’s actions, or a new step in a routine. This skill translates directly into everyday life, helping you handle unexpected changes and solve problems more creatively.”
So, What Kind of Activities Should You Try?
The key here is that the activity has to be new and complex for you. If you’re already an expert dancer, trying a new style is great, but a beginner will get an even bigger brain boost from starting from scratch. The goal is to move your body in ways it isn’t used to.
Here are some fantastic examples mentioned by neuroscientists:
- Dancing: Especially styles with set choreography, like ballroom, salsa, or even a popular TikTok dance. You have to remember steps, time them to music, and coordinate with a partner.
- Martial Arts: Think tai chi, karate, or jiu-jitsu. These require immense focus, balance, and learning specific forms and movements.
- Racket Sports: Tennis, badminton, or pickleball are great because you have to constantly react, strategize, and coordinate your hands, eyes, and feet.
- Boxing: This involves learning complex combinations of punches, blocks, and footwork, requiring intense concentration and coordination.
Remember, the best activity is one you’ll actually enjoy and stick with! The fun factor is crucial.
The Long-Term Payoff: A Resilient Brain for Life
So, why is all this effort worth it? The benefits are huge and long-lasting. Regularly challenging your brain in this way does more than just make you feel sharp today. Dr. Suzuki explains that building up these brain connections creates what’s known as a “cognitive reserve.”
Think of it as building up a savings account for your brain. The more connections and stronger pathways you have, the more resilient your brain becomes to the effects of aging. A strong cognitive reserve is believed to be one of the best defenses against age-related cognitive decline and may even help delay the onset of conditions like dementia.
You’re not just learning to dance or play tennis; you’re actively investing in your long-term brain health and independence.
A Few Final Thoughts
John: For me, this is such a hopeful and empowering message. It’s not about pushing yourself to the absolute physical limit every day, but about embracing the joy of being a beginner again. The idea that learning something fun can be one of the most productive things I do for my brain health is a real game-changer.
Lila: I totally agree! I used to feel a little intimidated by the gym. But knowing that signing up for a beginner’s salsa class or trying tai chi in the park is a ‘superfood’ for my brain makes exercise feel exciting and much less like a chore. It’s about play and discovery, which is something we can all get behind!
This article is based on the following original source, summarized from the author’s perspective:
The Absolute Best Exercise You Can Do For Brain Health, Per
A Neuroscientist