Movement for Life – Movement and Memory

by Lauren Walker

A frustrating part of aging for my clients is their short-term memory. While their body are in good condition, it becomes a struggle to remember basic things. It’s quite frankly, a downer for a lot of my older clients. While age-related memory loss is normal, what can I do as a personal trainer to help?

The Benefits of Exercise

Increases blood flow to the Brain by improving circulation

Releases hormones that lower inflammation and insulin resistance, protecting brain cells from further damage.

Exercise stimulates the formation of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory.

It improves the brain’s ability to adjust and strengthen the connections between neurons, which is fundamental for both learning and memory.

Recommended exercise

Consistency is key: Aim for regular, consistent exercise rather than sporadic workouts.

Aerobic activity: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling.

Strength training: Incorporating strength exercises two to three days a week is also beneficial.

I also incorporate multi-joint movement so as to practice coordination and new patterns of movement.

I also have my clients practice speed and agility movements according to their age and fitness level.

Long-term benefits

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia.

It may help delay the onset of mild cognitive impairment.

The message here is clear: movement is imperative to combat age-related memory loss. My goal is to keep my clients physically and mentally challenged to keep their neurons firing. Training with an experienced trainer such as myself ensures you’re exercising safely and effectively for your needs.

For more information on our Personal Training services, please call 289-356-2140