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Get Your Heart Rate Up

A group of friends smiling and working out together.

How can physical exercise strengthen your brain?

Working out your body doesn't just build muscles – your brain benefits too. Moving your body and raising your heart rate improves thinking, learning, problem-solving and emotional balance.

SCIENCE SAYS:

Raising your heart rate through regular aerobic exercise can increase the size of the anterior hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning. Exercise also increases delivery of oxygen to your brain and promotes new connections between neurons.

WAYS TO BEGIN:

  • Go for a daily walk, or approaching some chores as exercises.
  • Join others in a low impact group exercise or a safe sport.
  • Track your progress and setting goals.
  • Check with your doctor before making broad changes to your fitness regimen.

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