Scientists have long warned of the impending doom of cognitive decline as we age, with studies suggesting that our brains begin to deteriorate as early as our 30s. The alarming statistics are undeniable: by the time we reach middle age, core cognitive abilities such as processing speed and memory start to wane.
As a result, the brain health supplements market has seen a staggering growth in recent years, with Americans spending billions of dollars on products touting miraculous benefits for memory and brain function. However, a new study has shed some light on an alternative approach that may prove more effective: strength training.
Research conducted by Washington University School of Medicine found that individuals with high muscle mass and lower visceral fat showed significantly younger brain ages than their chronological years would predict. Visceral fat, often overlooked in favor of the more visible subcutaneous fat, is a significant contributor to cognitive decline, and reducing its levels through exercise has been shown to slow down brain aging.
This groundbreaking study offers hope for those looking to maintain or even boost their cognitive abilities as they age. Resistance training, it seems, can be an effective neuroprotective strategy that not only reduces the risk of future brain diseases like Alzheimer's but also provides numerous other benefits such as stronger bones, joint flexibility, and better balance.
Fitness trainer Dash Hartwell notes that progressive overload - gradually increasing demands over time to continually stimulate adaptation - is key to achieving optimal body composition. The American Cancer Society agrees, suggesting that two or three 20-30 minute training sessions per week can produce significant benefits.
The logic behind incorporating strength training into your routine is simple: by maintaining muscle mass and reducing visceral fat, you are not only protecting your brain from cognitive decline but also enhancing overall health and well-being. As Louis Bezich, author of "Saving Men From Themselves" and "Crack The Code", so aptly puts it, "the fulfillment it can bring you is incredible."
As a result, the brain health supplements market has seen a staggering growth in recent years, with Americans spending billions of dollars on products touting miraculous benefits for memory and brain function. However, a new study has shed some light on an alternative approach that may prove more effective: strength training.
Research conducted by Washington University School of Medicine found that individuals with high muscle mass and lower visceral fat showed significantly younger brain ages than their chronological years would predict. Visceral fat, often overlooked in favor of the more visible subcutaneous fat, is a significant contributor to cognitive decline, and reducing its levels through exercise has been shown to slow down brain aging.
This groundbreaking study offers hope for those looking to maintain or even boost their cognitive abilities as they age. Resistance training, it seems, can be an effective neuroprotective strategy that not only reduces the risk of future brain diseases like Alzheimer's but also provides numerous other benefits such as stronger bones, joint flexibility, and better balance.
Fitness trainer Dash Hartwell notes that progressive overload - gradually increasing demands over time to continually stimulate adaptation - is key to achieving optimal body composition. The American Cancer Society agrees, suggesting that two or three 20-30 minute training sessions per week can produce significant benefits.
The logic behind incorporating strength training into your routine is simple: by maintaining muscle mass and reducing visceral fat, you are not only protecting your brain from cognitive decline but also enhancing overall health and well-being. As Louis Bezich, author of "Saving Men From Themselves" and "Crack The Code", so aptly puts it, "the fulfillment it can bring you is incredible."
. I mean, sure, strength training is awesome for overall health, but are we really gonna start pumping iron to boost our brains too? 
It just seems like another way to sell us stuff, you know? And what's with all the emphasis on visceral fat? Is that even a thing people are worried about? 
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for staying active and healthy, but let's not jump on every bandwagon just yet. More research is needed before I start buying into this whole brain-training-for-brains thing 
And then they found out that strength training can actually do something to help 
It's like the old saying goes: "you can't put a price on your brain health"... or something like that. 
And don't even get me started on visceral fat, it's like the ultimate brain-drain (no pun intended 
). Anyways, back to the study, I'm glad to see some science backing up the benefits of strength training. It just makes sense that if we're getting stronger and more agile, our brains will thank us too 
I've been trying to get into a routine of lifting weights and doing bodyweight exercises, and it's amazing how much of a difference it makes. Not only do you feel stronger and more confident, but your brain is basically getting a workout too 
. Visceral fat is like the ultimate brain-killer, so any way we can reduce that is a win in my book 
. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind when planning my workouts from now on. Less processed foods and more protein shakes for me 
. Seriously though, kudos to the researchers for finding something effective and I'll definitely be adding strength training to my routine 
! I mean, think about it: we're already spending a ton on supplements that might not even work, when in reality, something as simple as strength training could be the key to maintaining our brain health and overall well-being. It's all about progress over time, you know? Like, Dash Hartwell says we need to keep pushing ourselves to adapt, and that makes total sense. And I love how it highlights the importance of reducing visceral fat - it's not just about the brain, but also about our overall health. We should be investing in ways to improve our bodies, not just popping pills. This study is a game-changer, for sure! 
it makes total sense now. reducing visceral fat and increasing muscle mass can literally make a difference in how our brains age. plus, think about all the other benefits - stronger bones, better balance, joint flexibility... it's a no-brainer! 
let's get fit, folks! 
, gotta push urself. anywayz, 2-3 times a week is def doable, even for the busiest ppl 
I think this study is kinda cool, like who knew exercise could actually help with brain health? I mean, I'm not saying we gotta start lifting weights to be all brainy and stuff, but if it can slow down the whole cognitive decline thing... that's pretty awesome. I've always been a fan of balance in life, and this just shows how fitness can have so many benefits beyond just physical health. Plus, think about all those people out there trying to find some magic pill or supplement to help with memory - now we know exercise might be the real deal 