We often hear how exercise is good for the body, but wait until you learn about the profound impact it has on brain growth, mental health and intelligence! 

In this article, we'll explore how exercise is not just about physical fitness but also a journey towards sharper cognition and overall mental fitness. 

So, grab your workout gear, and let's get going…

The intelligence-movement connection

Exercise and intelligence share a deep-rooted connection. 

And that’s because lifting weights or running miles does not just involve moving your body. It  also engages your brain in the process. 

When you exercise, your brain is working hard to actively coordinate various movements, demanding your intelligence to be at the forefront. 

Whether you're doing yoga, lifting weights, or going for a jog, it requires planning, balance, and control - all of which are facets of intelligence.

Promoting intelligence through movement

Have you ever noticed how a good workout session leaves you feeling mentally sharper and more focused? It's not a coincidence. 

Physical movement actually promotes intelligence. 

When you engage in exercise, your body releases chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which are known to enhance cognitive function and mood, as well as various growth factors and neurotransmitters that promote the survival and differentiation of new neurons.

So, in a way, exercise becomes a natural cognitive enhancer. And if you practise often enough, you’ll literally be growing new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improving your intelligence. 

The flexibility of the brain

The old neuroscientist belief was that once a brain reached maturity, the number of neurons was finite. The brain cells you have were all you could have. 

As it turns out, the brain is far more flexible than we thought.

Since the discovery of "adult neurogenesis" in 1998, when brain study researchers found new brain cells growing in an adult hippocampus, neuroscientists have been exploring new ways to maintain and grow a healthy brain. 

Self-proprioception

Now, let's dive into the intriguing concept of self-proprioception. 

This term may sound complex, but it's all about your body's ability to sense its own position in space. 

Exercise plays a vital role in improving self-proprioception. When you engage in different forms of physical activity, you become more aware of your body's movements, balance, and posture. 

This heightened spatial awareness stimulates brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganise itself. 

This rewiring of the brain is associated with improved learning, memory, and problem-solving capabilities. It's like giving your brain a regular workout, helping it stay agile and responsive.

The flow of energy

Have you ever considered the idea that exercise allows for the proper movement of energy within your body? 

It's a concept that transcends various cultures and traditions. Whether you call it ether, Chi, electron flux, energy, shakti, or something else, the principle remains the same. 

Physical activity opens the pathways for this life force to circulate freely.

Imagine your body as a conduit, much like a river. When you exercise, you remove the blockages in this river, allowing energy to flow smoothly. 

This, in turn, has a profound impact on your overall well-being. Just as a river nourishes the land it passes through, the free flow of energy nurtures your body, mind, and soul.

You are light

In the grand scheme of things, you are light. 

The exercise is not just about lifting weights or running; it's about embracing the light within you. 

When you move, you become a beacon of energy, radiating positivity and vitality.

So, every time you lace up your sneakers or roll out your yoga mat, remember that you are a source of light, both for yourself and for the world around you.

Exercise is a journey of self-discovery, a path to mental and physical growth, and a gateway to becoming the best version of yourself. 

It's about more than just staying fit; it's about embracing the intelligence-movement connection, improving self-proprioception, and allowing the free flow of energy. 

So, keep moving, keep shining, and never forget that you are light.