By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
As we age, staying physically and mentally sharp is key to maintaining our independence and quality of life. Imagine a type of exercise that not only strengthens your muscles but also boosts your brainpower, this is the idea behind Brain Functional Training (BFT).
BFT combines physical movements that mimic everyday activities with cognitive challenges, helping to enhance strength, coordination, and mental agility all at once. This innovative approach aims to tackle both physical and cognitive decline, making it an exciting tool for aging adults looking to stay sharp and active.
Combining cognitive challenges with physical exercises
Recent research on Brain Functional Training (BFT) suggests that traditional physical exercise improves brain health by encouraging the growth of new brain cells, boosting blood flow to the brain, and increasing its ability to adapt and change. However, researchers believe that combining cognitive challenges with physical exercises could provide even greater benefits, especially for older adults. For instance, activities like walking while solving math problems can engage different parts of the brain, helping to sharpen important skills like decision-making, memory, and attention.
BFT boosts connectivity
One key finding from the article is the complexity of exercises matters. Functional training exercises that engage multiple joints (i.e., hips and knees or shoulders and elbows) and movements closely resemble real-life activities, improving both strength and mental agility. By incorporating mental tasks into physical routines, BFT boosts connectivity between different brain regions, including those involved in motor skills, balance, and cognitive flexibility.
BFT emphasizes exercises that mimic real-life movements
To incorporate mental tasks into physical routines, BFT emphasizes exercises that mimic real-life movements, such as squatting while lifting or balancing on one leg while reaching. By adding cognitive challenges to these functional exercises, such as counting backward, solving puzzles, or memorizing sequences during the workout, BFT engages multiple brain regions simultaneously. The dual-task approach not only strengthens the body but also enhances cognitive function, offering a comprehensive way for aging adults to stay mentally sharp and physically strong.
Article’s Source
Da Silva-Grigoletto, M. E., et al. (2024). Brain functional training: a perspective article. Frontiers in Aging.
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