Exercise and Memory

A small new study suggests that exercise can make middle-aged people smarter.

When sedentary adults were put on a four-month exercise routine, their ability to think, recall and make quick decisions all improved significantly. The fitter people became, the sharper their mental skills became as well.
For this study, participants who were initially overweight and inactive worked out four times a week — with stationary bikes and resistance training. Though the findings are preliminary, it’s not the first study to link regular exercise with increased brain function.
Recent findings also suggest that regular physical activity helps keep the brain from shrinking as we age, and it may protect against other damaging changes.
Aim for 150 minutes (or more!) of moderate to strenuous physical activity each week.