The Simple Neuroscience of Exercise and Learning
By: Natalie Wilcox and Brandon Slade - Founder of Untapped Learning
At Untapped Learning, movement is everything. When you walk into the gym, odds are you will see a variety of games going on. We always talk about exercise being good for your physical health, and even getting more blood moving to keep you alert. But what about actually growing your brain?
I know, I know, you have heard your brain can’t keep growing into adulthood. And, for the most part, that is true. You grow almost all of the neurons in your brain before the age of 2, the same ones that you will have for the rest of your life. Except for one area: the hippocampus. We have talked in previous videos about the hippocampus and its role in memory. Well, it has been found that one area of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus actually grows in response to exercise. Not only does it make new neurons, it also makes new connections in your brain, and this can happen regardless of age. Exercise also promotes the production of a chemical called Brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF that promotes brain plasticity and neuron growth. I like to think of it as happy brain soup.
So keep moving and growing your brain!
For more information, visit untappedlearning.com.
