Keeping Your Brain Healthy - Manual / Resource - Page 7
EXERCISE FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Beneficial Exercises
Be sure to consult a doctor about your overall health before starting
any new exercise program.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is thought to be more
beneficial to cognitive health than non-aerobic stretching and
toning exercise. Research is ongoing, but aiming to move for
about 30 minutes on most days is shown to have many benefits.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Engage in cardiovascular exercise to elevate your heart
rate, if you’re able to do so safely. This will increase the
blood flow to the brain and body, providing additional
nourishment while reducing potential dementia risk factors
like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
The More The Merrier
Incorporating other physical activities you may enjoy, like walking
with a friend, taking a dance class, joining an exercise group
or golfing may also be mentally or socially engaging. Activities
can be as simple as bike riding, gardening or walking the dog.
7
