Quantifying the effects of physical exercise on cognition

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Exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function, prompting discussions on its practical application for improved learning outcomes. The key inquiry revolves around whether incorporating exercise into a study routine—such as dedicating one hour to exercise while studying for seven—can yield better results than studying alone. The consensus suggests that exercise may indeed compensate for reduced study time by boosting mood, energy levels, and concentration. Robert Thayer's research highlights the importance of regulating mood and energy through balanced nutrition and exercise, providing insights into overcoming barriers to physical activity. His book, "Calm Energy," offers self-help strategies based on his findings, emphasizing the potential for exercise to positively impact cognitive performance in real-world scenarios.
FallenApple
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We all know that there's plenty of evidence showing that exercise does benefit cognition.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951958/

The real question is how can I actually use this in practice to get real world results.

So if I spend 8 hours a day studying a certain subject/trade, would I be better at that subject if I did 7hrs study and 1 hour exercise? Would the exercise more than make up for the lost time studying?
 
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FallenApple said:
The real question is how can I actually use this in practice to get real world results.

If we knew that, you'd probably get a lecture from your doctor during each visit that was more than, "Get more exercise". :wink:
 
FallenApple said:
The real question is how can I actually use this in practice to get real world results.

Robert Thayer, who died not that long ago, was fairly well known in psychology as a pioneer in studying how people can better regulate their mood & energy level (and thus their alertness & ability to concentrate) through eating well and exercising in small doses during the day. He also studied why some people dislike exercise and how they can get around that barrier. This was his most recent book; the first few chapters focus on the studies he did, however later chapters provide self-study & self-help guidelines you might find useful.

Calm Energy: How People Regulate Mood with Food and Exercise, by Robert E. Ph.D Thayer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195163397/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 

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