7. Strengthens memory
If you struggle to manage your time or remember important meetings, exercise may help sharpen your memory.
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that controls learning and memory, and acute and regular exercise stimulates blood flow to the brain and increases the volume of the hippocampus. Adults with a history of higher fitness tend to have hippocampal lobes with higher volumes than non-fit adults, which can delay the natural shrinking of the brain and accompanying memory loss.
Studies also show that exercise can help with memory function in adults at risk of, or already experiencing, declining brain health. Long-term exercise intervention programs improve cognitive function and lessen symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re worried about your aging brain, exercise is one way to help it stay healthy.
8. Controls diabetes
While you can’t control your genetic disposition, exercise can prevent or regulate Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity, when you combine it with modest weight loss, lowers the prospect of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in high-risk patients.
Aerobic activity and resistance training are effective at making your body more sensitive to insulin, the cells that transform blood sugar into energy. This helps regulate the disease. But the effects of energy on insulin sensitivity also depend on external factors unique to your body and lifestyle. If you do have diabetes or are at risk, always consult with a doctor to create the right plan for your needs.