Mondays are hard. Period. So, I decided that I would do something different this month. Instead of starting the week with the hardest workout (Legs – right?!) I decided I would do the easiest workout. The easiest workout can be different for everyone, but for me it is cardio. No weights, just pure endorphin-releasing cardio. Nothing could make my Monday any better than that. Plus not having to do any squats or lunges, or even the dreaded leg press?! Yes, please. Sign me up.
Most people think of cardio as the thing you do to torch calories, it does, but it is so much more than just earing your dessert. Cardio isn’t just good for your body, it is amazing for your brain. Here are some of the things I found when researching the benefits of cardio on the brain.
🧠 Cardio improves memory
One of the coolest findings? Cardio literally helps you remember stuff. Studies show that aerobic exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, the part of your brain in charge of memory and learning. Translation: going for a jog or hopping on the bike is like hitting “save” on your brain files.
So if you’ve ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why—cardio might just be the fix. I mean, it also might be peri-menopause, but who am I to say?
🔎 Cardio helps with focus and clarity
Ever get brain fog so thick you feel like you’re running on dial-up internet? Cardio helps clear it up. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that keep your thinking sharp.
Some studies even show that a short burst of cardio before work or studying can improve attention and concentration. Basically, it’s like giving your brain a double espresso—without the jitters.
🌈 Cardio reduces stress and boosts mood
Stress shrinks the brain (yes, really), but cardio helps counter that. It reduces stress hormones like cortisol and pumps up endorphins—the chemicals responsible for that famous “runner’s high.”
You don’t even have to run. Brisk walking, cycling, or dancing in your kitchen all count. I personally never run, my 40-something year old body doesn’t run. But I do love to walk briskly and cycle in front of a TV. The result? Less anxiety, better mood, and more resilience when life throws curveballs.
🕰️ Cardio helps fight aging
Here’s a scary thought: the brain naturally shrinks with age. The good news? Cardio slows that down. Regular aerobic exercise has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It promotes neuroplasticity—basically, your brain’s ability to rewire and adapt.
Think of cardio as the WD-40 for your neurons. Keeps everything running smoothly, even as the years pile on.
💡 Cardio sparks creativity
This one surprised me: walking, running, or cycling can make you more creative. Researchers found that people generated more ideas after exercise compared to sitting still. It’s why your best ideas might hit you mid-jog—or, in my case, while watching HGTV on the treadmill at Planet Fitness.
So next time you’re stuck on a problem, don’t stare at your screen. Move your body. Your brain will catch up.
Final verdict:
Cardio gets a bad rap as the boring, sweaty part of fitness, but honestly—it’s like rocket fuel for your brain. Better memory, sharper focus, lower stress, better mood, and even long-term protection against aging.
So the next time you lace up your sneakers, remember: you’re not just doing your body a favor. Your brain is quietly cheering you on too.
Here is the thing. Next Monday, do the thing that you love the most. Whatever that is. Do you love to take a stroll in nature? Do that. Do you love to get on your Peloton and sweat out that workout? Do that. Do the thing that you love doing the most. I bet your week will be that much better for it. And it might make the hard days better too. Just my honest opinion.
What makes your week better? Do you have a “Mental Health Day” routine? Let me know in the comments below.
Sources
- Harvard Health – Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills
- Mayo Clinic – Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress
- National Institute on Aging – Cognitive Health and Older Adults
- APA – The exercise effect
P.S. If you are looking to join a gym, here is a referral for only $1 down at Planet Fitness.
Leave a Reply