How Exercise Helps You Think Better


A recent article in the New York Times, “How Exercise Benefits the Brain,” Gretchen Reynolds reviews recent scientific studies that demonstrate the connection between physical exercise and thinking. In one of these studies, people were given a memory test. Then, half of the subjects vegged out, while the other half engaged in strenuous exercise. Then they took the test again. Those who had exercised did markedly better on the latter test.

What might explain this result?



In another study review by Reynolds, exercise even appears to slow the negative effects of aging in the brain functioning of pilots.  The article concludes with a quotation from Dr. Ahmad Salehi, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford, who says, “But for everyone, the evidence is very, very strong that physical activity will increase BDNF levels and improve cognitive health.”

So, do you want to think more clearly? Do you want to maintain your brain function as you get older? Then go and get some exercise, and keep it up.


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  • Duane Scott

    As a med student, this was something we just covered in mental health.  

    And I appreciate you getting the message out there! 

  • Anonymous

    Thanks for your word of encouragement.

  • William Lee Goff

    I just got back from walking 30 minutes and feel smarter already.

  • Anonymous

    Way to go! I’ve been sitting on my backside all day. I’m getting stupider by the moment.