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Running To Get Smart

Andrew Badham 2016-08-01 10:05:16

Traditionally, mental and physical agility have been considered separate pursuits. The idea has become so prolific that people have begun to question the emphasis of sport at academic institutions, such as schools or universities. However, recently studies have begun to show that there is a positive correlation between physical activity and cognitive function. In other words, it seems that exercise can help make you smarter.

The apparent culprit for this phenomenon is BDNF (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor); a hormone which promotes neural growth. The hormone is produced by many different activities, including something as simple as chewing, but not quite to the extent that exercise does. Neural growth does not increase your intelligence itself. Growing neurones is a lot like increasing the memory of a hard drive; it doesn't do anything yet, but it has the capacity to. So, going for a run won't make you smart, but it will help you to get there.

So, why aren't there more genius body-builders? Part of the reason is, as mentioned above, you have to fill your mind with information to take advantage of BDNF. The other is that not all types of exercise produce BDNF equally. High-intensity interval training, such as CrossFit, did produce some BDNF; however, not nearly as much as sustained cardio. Whereas traditional weight lifting exercises produced almost nothing.

This is hard news for many people who consider sustained cardio to be the least appealing form of exercise. They hate cardio for a good reason: it's hard. Cardio is not only difficult because it's uncomfortable, so is weightlifting; cardio is difficult because you suffer for a long time. Engaging in a repetitive exercise for half an hour is not many people's idea of fun. It's hardly what one would call stimulating, but perhaps there is another benefit to the practice of cardio. It develops a certain doggedness; an ability to persevere.

In a world which is becoming ever more fast-paced, it has become difficult for many people to focus their attention. Our ability to concentrate on a singular task seems to be diminishing, perhaps as a result of our highly stimulating environments. It's possible that cardio may have some benefits here, too. Forcing your mind to remain focused and determined for that extended period of time might prove a valuable exercise in mental tenacity. Which, coupled with the increasing in neural matter, would prove a valuable endeavour for anyone with hopes for self-improvement.