Neuroscientist Thinks This Exercise Does Wonders For Brain Health

It is well-established that regular exercise contributes significantly to overall health. In addition to enhancing cardiovascular health, bone density and muscular strength, several experts suggest that regular physical activity can also strengthen the brain.

Neuroscientist and dean of New York University (NYU) – College of Arts and Science, Dr Wendy Suzuki, believes that people should engage in physical activity as frequently as possible to maintain excellent brain function. “Physical activity is so powerful for our brain,” she remarked in a recent MasterClass series in which neuroscientists and psychiatrists shared brain-health tips.

Dr Wendy Suzuki also has a favourite form of workout which she believes is optimal for brain health. “This great form of workout drew me back into exercise after years of sitting on the couch. It is called intenSati,” she told CNBC Make It. The first part is derived from ‘intention’ while ‘Sati’ is a Pali word that denotes mindfulness or awareness, reports add.

What Is IntenSati Workout?

IntenSati, which was developed by American spiritual and fitness trainer Patricia Moreno in 2002, entails exercising your body while speaking affirmations out loud. According to the official website of intenSati, this workout combines high-energy cardio moves with high-emotion mantras to leave you feeling elevated, connected and strong.

Dr. Wendy Suzuki has highlighted that expressing positive affirmations aloud can significantly impact one’s general mood, attitude and outlook on life.

Furthermore, a recent study conducted at the University of California Berkeley urged 135 undergraduate students to speak compassionate things to themselves for 20 seconds per day, followed by compassionate touch, such as resting a hand on their heart. After a month of consistent practice, students reported feeling less stressed and experiencing changes in their mental health, as per the report in CNBC Make It.

“But whatever the form of workout that you do, any time of day that you can work out is the best time of day to workout because our lives are so busy,” Dr Wendy Suzuki said in the publication.