Cardio vs Strength Training: Which Is Better For Brain Health?

Dr. Tracey Marks, psychiatrist, explains:

It depends on which kind of brain health

Here at 10almonds, often say “what’s good for your heart is good for your brain” and it’s true, largely because the blood is what nourishes the brain (with oxygen and nutrients), and ultimately takes away detritus that shouldn’t be there (including α-synuclein and β-amyloid clearance, to protect you from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, respectively).

And obviously, having good vasculature will have a protective effect against vascular dementia and stroke.

So, this is a hands-down win for cardio, right? Cardio also has further specific brain benefits in the short- and long-term:

• Short-term: within one exercise session (and certainly within 30 minutes of such), cardio exercise increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, resulting in an immediate mood boost.
• Long-term: if you do it consistently over time, it strengthens connections between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, improving emotional regulation and stress resilience, and also reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

However, strength-training also has its place, including for brain health.

Specifically, it boosts brain growth factors, which is as good as it sounds (and promotes healthy brain cell survival and synaptic plasticity, both of which are good things). It also helps regulate cortisol and, consequently, reduces chronic brain inflammation, as measurable by the reduced prevalence of inflammatory markers like CRP and TNF-Alpha. In terms of results we can see without lab equipment, it also improves executive function and memory, especially in older adults.

For more on all of this plus Dr. Marks’ recommendation of how to combine the two, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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How Your Exercise Today Gives A Brain Boost Tomorrow

Take care!