I read recently in the NYT an article discussing an experiment concerning women’s exercise and their cognitive ability.
The article states:
“Researchers in British Columbia randomly assigned 155 women ages 65 to 75 either to strength training with dumbbells and weight machines once or twice a week, or to a comparison group doing balance and toning exercises.
A year later, the women who did strength training had improved their performance on tests of so-called executive function by 10.9 percent to 12.6 percent, while those assigned to balance and toning exercises experienced a slight deterioration — 0.5 percent. The improvements in the strength training group included an enhanced ability to make decisions, resolve conflicts and focus on subjects without being distracted by competing stimuli.”
This isn’t a shock to someone who believes in living primally and in accordance to our evolutionary design. “Lifting heavy things,” a favorite of Mark Sissons, proves not only to be healthy for muscular and bone structure, but now is showing to actually help improve one’s cognitive ability. Again, excellence in any facet of life when living correctly – proper diet and exercise namely - should not be of surprise to anyone …
so ladies (and gentleman), get off the treadmill and hit the weights – you will actually be smarter.
here is the article in its entirety. I recommend reading it for it provides some interesting insight
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/26/health/research/26exer.html
