Aerobics good for mind and body even at older ages

When you hear aerobics, what’s the first thing to come to your mind? For many people it might be a vision of a group women working out together in unison at a gym. Others might think of themselves out of breath, with a glean of sweat and feeling good. But one thing that most don’t think of is what many will one day want – having a good mental capacity at mature ages.

That doesn’t sound right. What does being older and aerobics have to do with each other? Some of you are probably asking that question right now.

Well a recent study, and research by Prof. Art Kramer, of the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois, has found a connection of those at older ages and physical fitness. It seems that there is a direct correlation between

“…regular moderate exercise that makes a person breathless increases the speed and sharpness of thought, the actual volume of brain tissue, and the way in which the brain functions.”

In essence this means that as we age so does our brain. If we keep our bodies fit during the aging process it will respond better and so will our brains. And Prof. Kramer found that this is true of those with Alzheimer’s as well as women that are post-menopausal (with or without hormone therapy). In fact

“Some studies found that six months of aerobic exercise reversed age-related decline and that older adults' brains retained plasticity -- the capacity to grow and develop.”

That’s not drugs with exorbitant prices, nor a miracle cure. It’s not whipped up in a lab. It’s 100% natural, and everybody can do this at any age. And the benefits of regular aerobic workouts continue at even mature ages. What’s the downside?

Really there is no downside. Moderate exercise is always good for the body, and know there is added proof that it’s good for the mind too. You don’t need to be in the shape of a bodybuilder, nor try to fit into the clothes you wore in junior high school. You don’t need to spend money for operations, or special gear. You can do it at home or with friends at a gym. The key is just doing it.

Whether you want to lose weight, stay trim, and/or keep your mind as healthy as your body aerobics may just be the answer. You’ve got nothing to lose by trying.