From Interval Walking to Balance Challenge: 5 Exercises That Boost Brain Power

By now, we all know that exercise is not just good for our body, but also our brain. Exercise, as it is known, releases endorphins, also known as the feel good hormones, that boost up your mood, keep anxiety at bay, reduce stress etc. While there are a lot of things you should do to increase your brain power, like puzzles and games, do you know that there are specific exercises too, that can sharpen your brain? Here are 5 of them. Include them in your fitness regime today!

Interval walking means alternating between fast and slow walking. This type of exercise increases your heart rate and improves blood flow to the brain. Studies show that high-intensity interval walking (HIIW) improves physical fitness and cognitive functions like memory and attention, especially in older adults. The bursts of faster walking stimulate brain areas involved in learning, helping to keep your mind sharp over time.

Even light exercise like slow running can improve brain activity. Research using brain scans shows that light jogging activates the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. It also stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which controls attention and decision-making. Just 10 minutes of slow running before a mental task can help you think faster and perform better.

HIIT involves short bursts of very intense exercise followed by rest periods. Studies with adults aged 65 and above found that HIIT improves executive functions-skills like problem-solving, planning, and multitasking. What’s more, the cognitive benefits of HIIT can last for years, even after stopping the exercise routine. This makes HIIT a powerful tool to protect your brain as you age.

Balance training is more than just preventing falls; it also benefits your brain. Exercises that challenge your balance stimulate the vestibular system, which connects to brain areas involved in memory and spatial awareness. Research shows that regular balance exercises improve memory and the ability to navigate spaces. These exercises help strengthen brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, enhancing your ability to remember and solve problems.

Coordination exercises that require you to use different parts of your body in a controlled way can boost brain function. These activities improve working memory and problem-solving skills by encouraging brain flexibility. They activate connections between the vestibular system and key brain areas responsible for attention and motor control. Including coordination challenges in your routine can help maintain mental sharpness, especially as you get older.