Exercise can help improve physical fitness, help maintain a healthy body composition, and lower disease risk, but it can also positively effect the brain! We see from current research that those who are physically active, particularly through participation in cardiovascular exercise, experience better brain functioning!

More Facts from Research

• Exercise releases a neuron growth factor called BDNF that scientists describe as like “Miracle Grow” for the brain! This means that exercise causes the brain to grow new brain cells. It also stimulates our brain to keep us alert, improve memory, and gets the brain ready to learn.
• Anxiety and stress plague many people. Exercise is an effective anxiety and stress reduction tool. It can dissipate the stress hormones that kick in when we are experiencing stress.
• Brain chemistry actually changes after a bout of exercise, improving mood and helping us think more clearly.
• There is research being done right here at LCC demonstrating the effects of exercise on quiz and exam scores! A majority of students report that exercising before a quiz or exam is helpful, allowing for better brain functioning and clarity of thought. We have data from assessment scores to back it up. Most students who exercised before completing an assessment saw improvement in their grade (compared with previous assessments) without a change in their study habits (they studied the same as they usually do).