From a chemical perspective, exercise can create new brain cells and increase the longevity of existing brain cells. This works through the activity of skeletal muscle during exercise releasing a number of different compounds, in particular a protein known as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).

From a hormonal perspective, exercise most famously stimulates the release of dopamine and endorphins. The specific cocktail of hormones have positive effects on mood and concentration. Dopamine has been shown to have a positive effect on our motivation and discipline, increasing our ability to get to those tasks we’ve been avoiding.

The benefits to the brain are dramatic when it is well supplied with oxygenated blood and fuel, when our neurons and glial cells in our brain are healthy and resistant to damage, and in when it is in a rich hormonal environment conducive to performance. Research studies have found:

• Higher aerobic fitness is strongly related to higher working memory and attention [1] and exercising while learning increases the effect of learning – in this particular case learning a new language [2].
• The amount of aerobic exercise performed by adolescents is positively correlated with increased academic performance, behaviour [3] and mental health [4].
• Hormonal regulation and improved cognitive function are a powerful mood booster and can reduce the risk of depression or reduce the effect of depression in both children and adults [1].

Exercise also combats the natural loss of brain cells – both the amount and the quality – and this can significantly reduce the risk of many age-related brain disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and contributing disorders for dementia [1].

It is never too late to start exercising and improving both your physical and brain health, and research suggests that the more experienced and advanced with exercise you are, the greater the effect each workout will have on your brain health.