Rewire your Brain

What’s better for your career? An MBA or exercise routine?

Latest brain and physiological research shows that simple exercise routines not only tune your cardiovascular system, they hotwire your brain for more efficiency and stamina.

And while these claims seem counter-intuitive at first, when you draw together the findings of numerous studies we learn that:

• Brain function peaks during the 90 minutes following physical activity
• The coordination of limbs required during exercise resides synapse in the brain, creating faster admire efficient pathways for processing signals to pass through
• Even light to moderate exercise, such as a brisk, 30 minute walk, enables the blood and chemicals within the brainiac to be refreshed and revitalised, boosting productivity

So what does that mean for busy professionals, executives and managers, whose workload and lifestyles are already stretched and Groaning under time-sapping demands?

“As Stephen Covey once said, you need to nurture your production capability, not just push yourself to keep on producing, because if you don’t you will trade short term gain for long term pain,” says Dr Nathan Harten.

“The problem is we have taken onboard the mantra of working hard, paid lip service to work/life balance, and lost the ability to read the crucial warning signs our bodies send us.

“In effect, our bodies are like countries that mine their natural resources to yield windfall profits. If they don’t plan early to build new options for other avenues for wealth and development after the mines close, their world can crumble quickly.

“On a personal level, research has clearly shown the danger signs we need to look for include:

• Fatigue during mornings and afternoons
• Layers of weight around the midriff
• Stiffness or soreness around the back, neck, or thigh regions
• Perpetual sense of stress

These symptoms are common to many in the West and therefore become accepted as a “normal” state. But it is not.

Is the ritual irreversible?

No. Definitely not.

Recent research has shown that incorporating even light levels of structured movement into daily routines can make a significant impact on the brain and general well being.

That said, there is also strong evidence that certain types of exercise involving some weights and resistance training, can return disproportionate increases in brain and body function with one of the key outcomes ironically leading to the ability for people to produce more daily output in less time.

“Sleep and diet are crucial elements and typically managed well by professionals, executives and managers when they become convinced of their efficacy. It is just the third of the three pillars of robust health they have trouble with exercise.

No time? Or no time like the present?

Smart, ambitious people are the ones most likely to embrace these new findings and put them into practice.

If you are engaged in a competitive field you will know who the most likely adopters will be. The big question is, will you let them build deeper reserves of stamina and productivity than you? Will you resign yourself to a course of diminishing returns? Or will this be the moment you seize to regroup, rebuild, and relaunch yourself for a happier and more productive career and family life?

For just $15, you can get the full picture from one of Australia’s foremost experts in Exercise Physiology, Dr Nathan Harten, in a 60 minute seminar. He will give you a concise overview of the latest findings along with practical tips for easing exercise into your busy routine.

Funds raised will support Alzheimer’s Australia.

Stay tuned for 2012 date!