How Exercise Benefits the (Mom) Brain

While we know that there are dozens of benefits to exercising, one of the most fascinating is how it can impact your brain. Once we become mothers and even during pregnancy, we quickly realize that “mom brain” is a real thing! The forgetfulness and loss of train of thought can be common for many moms for months and years after pregnancy.  Fortunately, research does show that there are beneficial changes to the brain after pregnancy. It increases the prefrontal cortex which controls planning, learning and emotional regulation. This makes total sense because once children arrive, we need to devote new energy to keeping them alive! 

It is important to understand how we can use exercise as a tool for helping our brains function better, especially after the significant physiological, mental and emotional changes brought on by motherhood. 

This post will not go into depth about the benefits exercise has on the  brains of mom and baby during pregnancy. Please know that there is strong evidence showing that babies whose mothers exercise regularly during pregnancy have brains that develop more rapidly. I will share more about this in future posts. 

When I lead group exercise classes, especially those involving choreography, I like to tell my students that their brains are getting so much stronger and smarter because they are challenging themselves to move to a beat and follow quickly changing directions. While choreography can be frustrating, it is good for us to struggle a bit.  It means our brain is improving it’s neuroplasticity. It helps us be more physically AND mentally resilient. 

Neuroplasticity and Depression

According to a recent study in Germany, exercise simultaneously lifts mood and boosts neuroplasticity which is the brain’s ability to change. Neuroplasticity helps us adapt to challenges and learn new processes. Hello! We need this ALL THE TIME as parents. (See references at bottom to view full studies. One finding was that after physical activity intervention, subjects had both an increase in neuroplasticity and a decline in depressive symptoms. A WIN-WIN!) 

 4 Ways that Exercise Benefits Your Brain

If you are ready for action and would like support, that’s what I’m here for. I specialize in corrective exercise and in coaching people, especially moms, in creating a wellness vision and moving forward with effective goals that help them feel their best every day. Please reach out to me, and let’s get started together. 

Before you Go…

How about experiencing the brain benefits of exercise right away through moving your body energetically to music (aka dancing!?) If you are a fan of athletic style dancing to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, you will enjoy this Fit Mom Moment (and so will your brain!) Click play below. 

References