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Moment 165: This Exercise Enhances Mood, Memory & Concentration: David Raichlen

Jun 7, 2024

Leading professor of evolutionary biology, David Raichlen, discusses how different types of exercise can provide various neurological benefits. Research shows that a combination of physical and cognitive challenges is ideal for brain function, mimicking how humans evolved. Choosing outdoor activities over the treadmill and trying new routes can enhance mood, memory, and concentration.

10:18

Episode guests

David Raichlen

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Quick takeaways

Different types of exercise offer unique benefits to the brain, combining physical and cognitive challenges can enhance cognitive performance significantly.

Deep dives

Different Types of Exercise and Brain Benefits

Various forms of exercise, such as resistance training and endurance activities, offer benefits to the brain through distinct pathways. Research indicates that combining cognitive challenges with physical activities, like orienteering, can enhance cognitive performance significantly. A study comparing orienteering, hiking, and a control group showed superior cognitive test results in the orienteering group, suggesting the value of engaging in activities that integrate mental and physical challenges.

Exercise and Cognitive Challenges for Enhanced Brain Function

01:51

Intro

2min

The Benefits of Combining Cognitive Challenges with Physical Exercise

3min

Enhancing Brain Function Through Exercise and Cognitive Challenges

2min

Exploring the Benefits of Exercising Outdoors vs. on a Treadmill

3min

In this moment, leading professor of evolutionary biology, David Raichlen discusses how to boost the brain benefits that come from exercise. Most people know that exercise can improve cognitive function, but don’t realise that different sort of exercise, like cardio or strength training, can provide different types of neurological benefits. David says that whilst all exercise is beneficial to the brain, research shows that the best sort of physical activity is a combination of physical and cognitive challenges. This helps the brain function as it copies how humans evolved to find food and survive. So this could mean that the next time you go for a run, choose the great outdoors over the treadmill and try different routes you haven’t taken before.

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David:

https://www.raichlen.arizona.edu

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