Toe wiggling and other exercises
April 13th 2010 21:26
Signature Tune
From: WiltonBulletin.com
Written by Lois Alcosser
That’s right! Wiggling your toes for a few minutes before you get out of bed can wake up your brain, improve your thinking and your memory. Mary Ann Genaurio ought to know. As the health and fitness director of the Wilton Y, she has reams of information from the American College of Sports Medicine, which she presented at the third session of Memory Matters at the Greens at Cannondale.
Just about everybody knows exercise is good for you, but Ms. Genuario presented exercise in a new way: not just for your heart, lungs, posture, stamina, balance and flexibility, but for your brain, the body’s headquarters for sharper, quicker thinking.
It’s all about blood flow, seeing to it that your brain gets all the oxygen (via blood circulation) that it needs to keep neurons and synapses lively, while stimulating endorphins and serotonin, that talented couple that make you feel good, dance better, remember names, and locate your keys.
It’s like this. Your brain says, “Time to exercise!” Your body answers back, “Not in the mood.”
But if you’ve been exercising, your brain won’t take no for an answer. Your brain knows that exercise is an anti-depressant, that even a 10-minute walk is better than sitting around.
Citing the mantras that have become American slogans — “No pain, no gain” and “Use it or lose it” — Ms. Genuario admitted exercise is work and requires scheduling and discipline. But start making it part of your life and believe in it, because it’s no fun when it’s hard to tie your shoelaces. (Even that can be an exercise for your back.)
A University of California study demonstrated that walking increases brain activity and cognitive abilities. And evidently leg muscles require less oxygen and glucose to function, an added bonus. You’ll get tired less easily once you get into the walking habit.
Though it may not seem very appealing, housework can also be brainwork: vacuuming, cleaning closets, reaching for things on a top shelf, bending to pick things up, walking up and down the stairs in your house, and even walking around a supermarket several times (wheeling the basket improves balance).
Most mental deterioration is caused by inactivity. Neurobics is a snazzy way of saying “change your routine.” To surprise your brain into attention, try eating with your opposite hand, dressing with your eyes closed. Doing things you ordinarily don’t do is exercise for that precious three-pound package inside your head that makes you who you are, helps you solve a math problem, write a poem, remember Aunt Grace’s birthday.
Ms. Genuario urged the audience to investigate the Y’s wonderful programs, two swimming pools, and a catalog full of group exercises as well as a magnificent exercise equipment room. Silver Sneakers is a program particularly aimed at older adults. Memory Matters continues at 11 a.m., April 13, with Joan Haskell, activity facilitator at The Greens at Cannondale, with Brain Teasers, followed by lunch and music and art activities. It’s free, but an RSVP is required: 203-761-1191.
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