Weight Training Can Improve Memory

An increasing amount of research is being released each year that shows that physical exercise is beneficial for more than our physical health. Research shows that staying active also helps us psychologically and intellectually.

In a study published in Acta Psychologica, experts set out to find what influence, if any, strength training workouts have on someone's short term memory. So, they asked a group of participants to look at images (some positive, some neutral, and some negative) before doing just one exercise—a one-leg knee extension/flexion resistance training movement.

Two days later, they asked each person to look at another group of images to see which ones they would be able to recollect seeing previously. They also studied the individual's physiological reaction to the activity by looking at some specific hormones, their heart rate, and blood pressure.

Researchers discovered that the participants that performed the knee extension/flexion exercise "had higher overall recognition accuracy than the group that did not exercise," and that was after only a single session. Envision how much better your memory could become if you engaged in resistance or strength training on a regular basis!

If you're new to resistance training, then you may benefit from hiring a personal trainer to create a workout for your particular fitness level and goals. Maintaining proper form and carrying out the exercises properly is essential to getting fit without hurting yourself, and a trainer can show you what you need to know to make that happen.

Essentially, you want to make certain you do the movements in a slow and controlled fashion. In addition, don't exercise the same muscle group two days in a row because it needs 1-2 days to recover after a good workout.

Aerobic exercise has also been related to better memory recollection, so having a well-balanced workout plan is as important to your mental health as it is to your physical conditioning. Incorporate both along with regular chiropractic appointments, in your life and you'll be in good shape inside and out.

If you are ready to optimize your health, come to our Parma, OH office or contact us at (440) 888-6979.

Weinberg L, Hasni A, Shinohara M, Duarte A. A single bout of resistance exercise can enhance episodic memory performance. Acta Psychologica 2014;153:13-9.