Your Brain On... Cardio

Mar 27, 2024

Discover the neuroscience behind the benefits of cardio workouts - from improving mood and reducing stress to enhancing memory and immunity. Hear from experts like Dr. John Ratey and Dr. Art Kramer on the cognitive benefits of exercise. Learn how cardio can reverse aging effects, boost brain function, and integrate more fitness into your daily life.

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INSIGHT

Cardio Boosts BDNF And Brain Plasticity

Moderate cardio raises BDNF, improves blood flow, and enhances learning and memory.
Regular aerobic activity strengthens vascular networks and promotes neuroplasticity.

INSIGHT

Mood And Vascular Gains From Cardio

Cardio increases serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and reducing anxiety.
Muscles release VGF to drive vascular growth that supports cognition.

INSIGHT

High Intensity Triggers Runner's High Chemistry

High-intensity cardio triggers lactic acid, endocannabinoids, and human growth hormone.
These chemicals can produce runner's high and promote neurogenesis and plasticity.

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A healthier heart equals a healthier brain — no surprise there — but what's the neuroscience behind the benefits of a cardio workout?

Cardiovascular exercise, be it a brisk stroll, a light jog, or an intense interval training session, releases neurotransmitters that can improve your mood, reduce stress, enhance your memory, and strengthen immunity.

In this episode of 'Your Brain On', we discuss:

• How your brain and your body respond to increasingly challenging aerobic workouts

• The neurochemistry of phenomena like 'feeling the burn' and 'runner's high'

• How the protein BDNF, triggered by exercise, can reverse the effects of aging and cognitive decline

• Ways to integrate more cardio exercise into your life, no matter which hurdles each day brings

We speak to Dr. John Ratey, author of 'Spark', widely celebrated as one of THE go-to books about how exercise benefits the brain. He shares the story that led him to write the book, about a school which favored fitness over sports skills in its PE classes and subsequently ranked amid the smartest schools in the world.

We're also joined by Dr. Art Kramer, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Cognitive & Brain Health at Northeastern University, who dismisses the idea that you can be 'too old to exercise'.

And we invite anti-influencer and social media personality Erin Azar, AKA Mrs. Space Cadet, to the show, to talk about how her videos, which show the less glamorous side of running and exercise, went viral and spawned a community of nearly one-million followers.

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

'Your Brain On... Cardio • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 9

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LINKS

Our 'Mastering Memory' training webinar: https://thebraindocs.com/memory/

Dr. John Ratey

Website and books: https://www.johnratey.com/

Dr. Art Kramer

At Northeastern University College of Science: https://cos.northeastern.edu/people/art-kramer/

Erin Azar, "Mrs. Space Cadet"

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immrsspacecadet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.space.cadet

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast