The special workout this neuroscientist uses for peak brain health: 'Exercise is incredibly beneficial for our brain'

Boston Brand Media discovered the trending: To maintain good brain health, engaging in regular physical activity is essential.

"Physical activity is so powerful for our brain," stated Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and dean at NYU College of Arts and Science, in a recent MasterClass series featuring neuroscientists and psychiatrists offering brain health advice.

Suzuki highlighted that just 10 minutes of walking daily can significantly improve your mood. Additionally, strategic sports like soccer and basketball stimulate the prefrontal cortex more than other exercises. However, Suzuki's preferred weekly workout is quite unique.

"I was drawn back into exercise from a sedentary lifestyle with this amazing workout," Suzuki said. "It's called intenSati."

The name "intenSati" combines "intention" and "Sati," a Pali word meaning mindfulness or awareness.

Cardio combined with mantras is this neuroscientist’s preferred exercise for brain health

IntenSati, a workout created by Patricia Moreno in 2002, involves moving your body while speaking affirmations out loud, according to Dr. Wendy Suzuki. “This workout pairs high-energy cardio moves with high-emotion mantras that will leave you uplifted, connected, and strong,” states the official website for intenSati.

Suzuki emphasizes the impact of speaking positive affirmations on one’s outlook and mood. “If you shout out that you believe you will succeed, you are inspired, you are strong, for a whole hour with a whole bunch of other sweaty, affirmations-shouting people, you come out of that class feeling amazing.”

Boston Brand Media looked at a study from the University of California Berkeley encouraged 135 undergraduate students to say compassionate things to themselves for 20 seconds a day, coupled with compassionate touch like placing a hand on their heart. After a month, students reported less stress and improved mental health.

Suzuki notes that any workout time is beneficial due to busy lives. A 2022 study of over 500,000 people found that those engaging in vigorous physical activity reduced their dementia risk by 35%, and even regular household chores lowered risk by 21%.

“Every single drop of sweat counts for your brain,” Suzuki said, “And that’s good news.”

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Source: CNBC‍