Physical exercise strengthens memory and reasoning, research shows

Exercícios para lombar
Photo: Exercícios para lombar - Photo: Undrey/ Shutterstock.com

Praticar Exercising regularly not only protects your heart and muscles. Estudos indicate that physical activity also expands areas of the brain responsible for memory and thinking, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Pessoas who exercise have greater volume in neural regions linked to cognition. The impact happens because the movement raises the heart rate and stimulates blood circulation in the brain, improving its function in a direct and sustainable way.

Efeitos immediate improvements in mental health and concentration

Exercício Físico

Exercise improves mental performance indirectly by regulating mood, increasing sleep quality, and reducing stress and anxiety. Essas changes influence concentration and memory capacity significantly. Quando these factors are controlled, the risk of cognitive decline decreases considerably.

Pessoas who maintain a physical activity routine report immediate improvement in focus during everyday tasks. Controlling anxiety allows for better retention of information. Além Furthermore, a good night’s sleep favors the consolidation of new memories.

Qual modality brings more benefits

Science has not yet identified a single exercise as maximum for the brain. Porém, research shows that moderate to high intensity aerobic activities generate more positive impacts:

  • Fast Caminhada (150 minutes per week recommended)
  • Corrida in constant or variable rhythm
  • Natação with controlled intensity
  • Ciclismo at moderate speed
  • Tai chi for attention and verbal reasoning

Práticas and tai chi are especially popular among the elderly. Estudos indicate that this activity improves functions such as attention, problem solving and verbal reasoning in a significant and progressive way.

Como insert the habit into the daily routine

Especialistas recommend treating exercise as a non-negotiable part of health, similar to prescription medication. The guideline for adults is to perform approximately 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, equivalent to five 30-minute sessions.

Quem is starting should start with a few minutes a day and gradually increase time. Esse method reduces the risk of abandonment and allows the body to adapt. The ideal is to choose activities that bring pleasure, increasing the chance of maintaining the habit. Registrar progress in calendar or app also helps maintain consistency over the weeks.

Resultados appear after months of practice

Cognitive benefits do not appear immediately after the first few workouts. According to research by Harvard Health, the brain begins to respond to exercise stimuli after a few months of regular and continuous exercise. Esse period varies depending on age, previous physical condition and intensity of the activity performed.

That’s why constancy makes an absolute difference. Manter the habit over time strengthens not only muscles and cardiovascular system, but also mental health and lasting cognitive capacity. Dados indicate that people over 60 who exercise regularly perform better on memory tests compared to sedentary people.

Veja também em Latest News (EN)

Portugal draws goalless with Colombia in the 2026 World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo has a lackluster performance
Latest News (EN) • 28/06/2026

Portugal draws goalless with Colombia in the 2026 World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo has a lackluster performance

VAR decides to cancel Colombia’s goal against Portugal after a thorough analysis of the tip of the boot, impacting the classification in Group K of the 2026 World Cup
Latest News (EN) • 28/06/2026

VAR decides to cancel Colombia’s goal against Portugal after a thorough analysis of the tip of the boot, impacting the classification in Group K of the 2026 World Cup

Lautaro Martínez simply scores a great penalty in Jordan x Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Lautaro Martínez simply scores a great penalty in Jordan x Argentina at the 2026 World Cup

Rota officer and family member of Eloá Pimentel is ambushed by gunfire at a traffic light in ABC Paulista
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Rota officer and family member of Eloá Pimentel is ambushed by gunfire at a traffic light in ABC Paulista

Lo Celso scores a great free kick in Jordan vs Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Lo Celso scores a great free kick in Jordan vs Argentina at the 2026 World Cup

Lo Celso scores a wonderful goal, but the goal is disallowed for offside in Jordan x Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Lo Celso scores a wonderful goal, but the goal is disallowed for offside in Jordan x Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Sea of ​​Thieves update brings customizable servers and changes the way you explore the ocean
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Sea of ​​Thieves update brings customizable servers and changes the way you explore the ocean

Sea of ​​Thieves turns players into creators with customizable servers in new update
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Sea of ​​Thieves turns players into creators with customizable servers in new update

Data leak indicates return of Spider-Man cosmetics and new villains to the Fortnite universe
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Data leak indicates return of Spider-Man cosmetics and new villains to the Fortnite universe

End of the wait brings the classics Call of Duty Black Ops 1 and 2 to Sony consoles in July
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

End of the wait brings the classics Call of Duty Black Ops 1 and 2 to Sony consoles in July

Rumors about the Galaxy S27 Pro indicate a giant battery and advanced cameras in a compact format
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Rumors about the Galaxy S27 Pro indicate a giant battery and advanced cameras in a compact format

Developer sets the start of pre-sales for Grand Theft Auto VI and new release date
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Developer sets the start of pre-sales for Grand Theft Auto VI and new release date

Epic Games includes choreography by Kevin O Chris in Fortnite and expands the reach of national funk
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Epic Games includes choreography by Kevin O Chris in Fortnite and expands the reach of national funk

Spain advances and Cape Verde celebrates unprecedented place in the World Cup after decisive games
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

Spain advances and Cape Verde celebrates unprecedented place in the World Cup after decisive games

2026 World Cup: teams secure a place, but three places remain undefined among third parties
Latest News (EN) • 27/06/2026

2026 World Cup: teams secure a place, but three places remain undefined among third parties