Wendy Suzuki, a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at NYU, reveals the remarkable connection between exercise and brain health. She discusses how physical activity acts like a 'bubble bath of neurochemicals' for the brain, enhancing mood and focus. Wendy explains that even small amounts of exercise, like a 10-minute walk, can stimulate the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, boosting memory. She encourages everyone to embrace the joy of movement, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start reaping cognitive benefits.
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Gym Sparked Her Research Shift
Wendy Suzuki was overworking and felt lethargic until she started going to the gym regularly.
After 18 months she noticed clearer writing and improved memory, which sparked her research interest.
insights INSIGHT
Bubble Bath Of Brain Chemicals
Exercise gives the brain a "bubble bath" of neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin for immediate mood boosts.
Regular exercise also triggers growth factors that target the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex for long-term cognitive gains.
insights INSIGHT
Targeted Brain Growth From Exercise
Growth factors from exercise specifically help the hippocampus grow new neurons, improving memory.
They also benefit the prefrontal cortex, enhancing attention shifting and focus.
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Exercise gives your brain a “bubble bath of neurochemicals,” says Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science.
Exercise can have surprisingly transformative impacts on the brain, according neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. It has the power not only to boost mood and focus due to the increase in neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, but also contributes to long-term brain health. Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus, improving long-term memory and increasing its volume. Suzuki notes that you don’t have to become a marathon runner to obtain these benefits — even just 10 minutes of walking per day can have noticeable benefits. It just takes a bit of willpower and experimentation.
0:00 My exercise epiphany
1:35 What is “runner’s high”?
2:40 The hippocampus & prefrontal cortex
3:32 Neuroplasticity: It’s never too late to move your body
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About Wendy Suzuki:
Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University. She received her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987, studying with Prof. Marion C. Diamond, a leader in the field of brain plasticity. She went on to earn her Ph.D. In Neuroscience from U.C. San Diego in 1993 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health before accepting her faculty position at New York University in 1998. Dr. Suzuki is author of the book Healthy Brain, Happy Life: A Personal Program to Activate Your Brain and Do Everything Better.
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