Connected Blog

Connected Blog

Main menu:

Site search

Categories

Archive

Exercise & The Brain

Alan Coady 18th June

Comments: 3

It’s not really news, I know, but it’s always good to see reaffirmation of the benefits of exercise on learning and the brain - like this article in the Independent. One aspect I hadn’t seen articulated quite so directly concerns the role exercise plays in reducing aggression. Perhaps that explains why, almost without exception, martial artists seem to be amongst the least aggressive people around. Much of the article concerns the work of Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, John Ratey, author of a book entitled Spark and a related blog.

Categories: Physical Education, Science

Comments

Comment from Mike Coulter.
Time: June 18, 2008, 8:00 am

Interesting Indy article Ewan.

Perhaps exercise can also be classed as a ‘Positive Addiction’ strengthened by repetition, and thus new habit forming. Obviously a ‘good’ habit. Unless you over-indulge/go absolutely bonkers at it.

And I’d just add to your martial artist observation. (Not that I am in any shape or form remotely qualified to comment on the Martial Arts ;-) That in addition to their physical skills training, they often incorporate the component of mind-training via meditation/mindfulness. (Another positive ‘addiction’ methinks.) I think this, in addition to being able to ‘handle themselves’ in most situations, contributes to their ‘lack’, or should we call it, their ‘discipline’ of aggression.

Comment from Ewan McIntosh
Time: June 18, 2008, 12:54 pm

I wish, Mike, that I had found and blogged this, but it’s all down to Alan, one of our blog contributors from East Lothian. Check out his previous posts, especially those about the brain. Fascinating stuff.

Comment from Kevin Farmer
Time: June 19, 2008, 11:20 pm

If only the Scottish Government would sit up and take notice.
What I mean is there are PE specialists being trained, as we speak, to enhance the role of physical education in our schools.

There is no money…there are no jobs….is there a point?

I am one of these trainees and I can’t find one…believe me I’ve looked.

Ratey is a great author….I’ve just read his book ” the User’s Guide to the Brain” - good stuff.

John Medina’s “Brain Rules” is also good.

Write a comment