Brain and Brawn Connection

On the QT Newsletter, Brain and Brawn Connection
September 4th, 2007
click here for worksheet

Did you know? Exercise makes you stronger and smarter. Using sophisticated tools and brain-scanning technologies researchers are finding that the mental effects of exercise are far more profound and complex than they once believed. For the first time, scientists have actually coaxed the human brain into growing new nerve cells- simply by putting subjects on a three-month aerobic workout regimen. Exercise benefits the brain in two major ways. It helps generate new brain cells, and it strengthens the connections between those cells. Moreover, the positive impacts of exercise on the brain come quickly, in under an hour. If you want your students to come to class with their synapses firing more efficiently-encourage them to exercise.

Try This:

Distribute the attached Fitness Personality Quiz, also found at this site, and have students complete the activity as directed.
Give students time to both Score and Share their information.
Bring students back together and quickly tally the numbers to find out the most popular fitness personality.
Ask students what kind of connections they can make between physical exercise and your class.
Explain that both the body and the brain benefit from exercise.
Discuss the 10,000 step program and suggest they use the Pfizer Link to get a free pedometer, or just link them to the self-directed, online student lesson, The Brain and Brawn student lesson for more information and resources.

Want More?
Check out these links for more on the benefits of exercise, how to get started on the 10,000 step program, or Science On-Line’s Buff and Brainy.

Quik Quote: A big part of adapting is learning, and a big part of learning is moving well and moving fast enough to get out of the way of the tiger. John Ratey