Be Smart: Get Fit!

Posted By elissa on Dec 19, 2009 | 1 comment

This is true in more ways than one.  Getting/staying fit isn’t just a smart idea… according to new research, it may also make you smarter.  According to the LA Times blog “Booster Shots”:

That dumb jock might be smarter than he looks

December 18, 2009 

For young men, the fitter you are, the better your brain works.

A  study recently published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences took advantage of data collected on 1.2 million Swedish men born between 1950 and 1976, and found that those in better shape displayed higher intelligence. Note that the findings were based on cardiovascular health, which led to better blood flow, less anxiety and less fatigue. All of these things could help to raise brain power. Muscle mass had nothing to do with it.

Indeed.  Here’s the study… and here’s a reader-friendly synopsis.

This is probably, oh…. Reason #1,874 why regular exercise is a Good Idea.  I know my brain definitely feels more alert when I’m active.