Can Exercise Help Memory?
Have you ever learned something new and become obsessed with telling every person you know that fact? ‘You haven’t heard about this,’ I think, ‘But you NEED to know!’ Sometimes people show interest, but since you’re indiscriminately telling so many, there are sure to be blank stares, followed by, ‘cool.’ This does not deter you. In the middle of the day, the information pops up as a reminder in your head, and you get a rush of wonder all over again.
That happened to me when I was listening to Doctor Rhonda Patrick speak on The Joe Rogan Experience. It’s episode #901 and the fact I’m about to share is a but a drop in a whole ocean of information she gives. It’s really stellar, and if you’re interested in physiology (which I hope you are if you’re here and reading this article) I high recommend checking it out. Dr. Patrick is an expert in aging and nutrition. Her instagram is filled with pictures of hikes and sprouts, whatever health-benefitting treat she’s using that day.
Anyway, back to this information which is obsessively taking up space in my brain.
During the podcast, Dr. Patrick discusses research presented by Dr. David Marchant of England. He and his research team had noticed that some external factors can influence a person’s focus. The premise sounds simple enough, and something we frequently bring up when talking yoga: stress makes it difficult to pay attention. The research team saw this clearly among university exam-takers. Then they wondered what effect exercise could have on memory.
Are you ready? Here we go:
Participants were asked to either:
Exercise before studying;
Rest immediately after studying, or;
Rest, and then exercise immediately after studying.
The Results:
The participants who exercised before studying had improved immediate recall.
Those who rested immediately after studying scored the lowest
Those who rested and then exercised immediately after studying had the most improved long-term memory.
That’s is! Exercise before studying is good for short-term memory, and exercise after studying is good for long-term memory.
This means you can tailor a study routine for the kind of memory absorption you wish to benefit. For example, if you have to cram at the last minute for an exam, exercise before studying. That way, when you perform in your exam you will be able to immediately recall your information.
This is game-changing you guys. Are you going to try it?
I’m thrilled about the research developing in the field of mind-body connection.
Relevant Links:
Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Epiosde #901 - Dr. Rhonda Patrick