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Squats can boost brain activity [video]

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Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#3
No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid.

My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#4
post #3

No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid. My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.

It is explained, although in very general terms. Exercise is used to stimulate the body’s “countermeasures” (my word) against neuro-degeneration. Squats are called out here for a few reasons: They’re relatively easy for most people to do, and they seem to do a good job of triggering the “countermeasures”, as best as they can tell.

This is not a prescription to drop your exercise routine and only do squats, it’s really just pointing out that squats are a good first choice for sedentary people who want to keep their brains healthy.

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#5
post #3

No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid. My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.

I definitely sleep longer the night after a good workout. Not sure if that's universal?

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#6
Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank at an awkward angle onto a truck, and unbelievable mental clarity and focus. I do it daily for 30 mins. Never been to a class. I got into it via the 3 week yoga retreat program on the Beachbody app. Been doing it for about 4 years now. Takes about a year or two to fully realize the benefits.

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#7
post #6

Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…

One thing I think yoga does particularly better than many other activities is target really broad sets of muscles. I don’t do it much but after a few initial classes it was so strange for muscles i didn’t know existed to be sore.

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#8
post #5
post #3

No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid. My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.

I definitely sleep longer the night after a good workout. Not sure if that's universal?

The best part of a squat workout is when it’s over. The second best is going to sleep that night like a baby.

I bet that’s the real secret to it’s supposed brain boosting. It just knocks you out enough that you have to sleep. And sleep definitely boosts your brain.

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#9
post #6

Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…

I want to try Yoga after seeing this. could I just find any youtube instructors and follow along, or is it important to find "the right ones"? How would you approach starting out (must be online, wife won't let me leave the house because of covid)?

Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]

#10
post #6

Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…

I'm a little bit surprised that yoga beats swimming for you. I play whole lots of sport, never done yoga. I found swimming is the best for me. But I can see yoga is safer than swimming butterfly (but it builds muscle!), and tendon stretched more, and doesn't require a swimming pool! May be I should try yoga seriously
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