A wee bit o space for yersel

Is yer exercise guid for yer brain?

A uisual week. A wee bit perspective. Ae realistic neist step.

Aathing free · Na accoont · Na ads

A blue walkin shae, dumbbell and ba'

Whit does a normal week leuk like?

For adults aged 18 an ower. Enter weekly totals, countin ilk minute ance. Put cardio ye dae at the gym unner rinnin/cyclin. Strength minutes are countit separately.

Walkin

Rinnin / cyclin / ither cardio

Gym / strength

Sports / dancin

Light: easy tae keep a conversation gaun. Moderate: ye can speak, but no sing. Vigorous: juist a wheen words afore ye need a breath.

If ye hae a health condition, speak tae a professional aboot a routine that suits ye.

Different ways tae move

Aerobic exercise: trials wi aulder adults hae reportit some chynges in memory an brain structure. Findings vary, an a clear benefit for thinkin in ilka body isnae certain.

Erickson et al. (2011)

Strength trainin: some trials wi aulder adults report wee improvements in selected thinkin skills. Ither measures shaw little chynge; this disnae guarantee a benefit ye will notice.

Liu-Ambrose et al. (2010)

Coordination: a sma trial wi aulder adults studied balance an complex movement an fand chynges in selected cognitive tasks. It’s promisin but limited evidence, no a rankin o sports.

Voelcker-Rehage et al. (2011)

Muckle o this evidence comes frae aulder adults. Effects on particular tests dinnae mean that exercise maks ye smarter. Choose movement for general health an enjoyment; ony benefit tae thinkin is a possible bonus.

Read: Dae liftin weights help yer brain? (Inglis)