Basic Pursuits

Evidence mounts that exercise has a lot to do with how your brain functions.

The latest theory is that it mildly stresses the brain and forces adaptive responses that ensure that the brain gets the energy that it needs. One of the responses is the release of growth factors.

Growth factors are like manna for neurons. "They make neurons stronger, healthier and improve their ability to learn," Cotman said. In the presence of growth factors, new neurons are born and old ones sprout, grow and form better connections with each other. Blood vessels blossom along side the neurons, giving them quick access to glucose and other nutrients. All this, in turn, improves our ability to think, learn and remember. As Cotman said, exercise "builds the pipes" for improved cognition.

Most exercisers will tell you that exercise makes them feel better. Those good feelings seem to be coming from a happier, healthier brain. I always thought that it was because of better circulation, higher aerobic capacity, greater physical stamina, better energy, lower blood pressure, better sleep and other stuff like that. Damn. I guess it's all in my head.

How Your Inner Athlete Makes You Smarter