Still think going for a stroll isn’t beneficial? Think again. Moderate physical exercise such as walking for at least  30 minutes three or more times a week:

•  Increases blood flow to the brain

•  Enlarges your frontal lobes (where decision-making, planning and remembering reside) 

•  Adds new memory-recording neurons in your hippocampus (where memory-making occurs)

Exercise also helps to replenish some of the cells lost in the aging process. In fact, moderate aerobic physical exercise—the type that makes you breathe faster and increases your heart rate—is the most powerful trigger of new cell production in the brain. Over the last few years, several studies have shown that if there’s a “magic bullet” for a healthy brain, it’s walking. In one study conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a group of 60-79 yearolds were followed for six months. Half the group started walking just 15 minutes three times a week, working up to 60-minute walks three times weekly while the other half did non-stamina-building exercises such as stretching and toning. At the end of the study, MRI brain scans showed that only the walkers increased their brain volume. So take your first step toward a bigger healthier brain and hit the road today.

Live Your Life #VoxxLIfe Strong