Working Out May Improve Your Memory

It’s common knowledge that working out is good for your body, but a recent study suggests is may also be good for your brain? The study suggests that moderate exercise may help improve short-term memory.

For the study, the researchers conducted two experiments in which healthy and active participants were given lists of words to learn and remember either before or after exercise or after resting. For both experiments, the exercise was 30 minutes of moderate intensity cycling.

At the conclusion of the experiment, the researchers found that exercising before learning the words produced the best recall. If the participants waited 30 minutes between learning and recall, they produced better results if they exercised during that time, compared to if they rested.

Researchers from Edge Hill University, Lancashire, conducted the study. It was presented at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology held in Cardiff, England the week of December 12, 2016.

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. Previous clinical studies suggest that even moderate exercise may help with blood sugar control, reduce body weight, improve heart health, improve respiratory health and reduce your risk of dying prematurely.