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Want to Grow New Brain Cells and Get Smarter? Go Swimming
The title of this post is a little misleading. Just about any kind of exercise will help spur the growth of new brain cells and make you a little bit smarter, extensive science has shown. So what’s so special about swimming specifically?
That’s the topic of a new, in-depth article on The Conversation written by neurobiologist (and avid recreational swimmer) Seena Mathew. In it, she digs into new but intriguing science that shows spending some time splashing your way across the pool may offer unique cognitive benefits beyond what you get when you go for a run, hike, or ride a bike.
Is swimming the best type of exercise for your brain?
For those interested in the neuroscience (or looking for some motivation to get to the gym), Mathew’s article goes in-depth about the good things that happen in your brain when you do any sort of aerobic exercise. (I’ve written about this before on Inc.com, too.) But the bottom line is working up a sweat seems to boost memory, kill stress, improve cognitive performance, and help ward off dementia.
Which is a pretty impressive list of benefits. But swimming, research suggests, might be even better for your brain than other types of exercise. Most of the evidence for this comes from research with rats. In…
