Chess and exercise: like water to plants

For my would be teammates in the upcoming National Inter-chess club Championship this coming November, Here's another web find. As you know, I'm always fascinated between the harmony of physical exercise and mental performance. I hope that after you've read this, perhaps you'll consider taking a 20-30 minute walk before your chess study. Now from the article:

By acting as a mild stressor, exercise is an alternative way to spur many of the protective benefits associated with calorie restriction and the release of brain-building growth factors, said Carl Cotman, director of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia at the University of California in Irvine.

And exercise not only protects the brain; it actually improves brain function. This may be one more way, theorizes Cotman, that nature helped ensure the survival of those who were particularly good at prehistoric Jazzersize — which in those days meant hunting and defending grub.

"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.


From How Your Inner Athlete makes you Smarter