Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system benefits your brain, protecting it from disease. So reports the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter in their May 2009 issue (http://www.berkeleywellness.com -- this is an awesome newsletter, btw; I've been a subscriber since the late '80s and their format and quality has always been consistently high). Here's a quote from the article:
"Research has consistently found that staying physically active is a key to preserving brain function. Studies have shown that older people who get regular exercise are less likely to decline mentally and/or develop dementia. Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling seems especially beneficial, but any activity can help, including strength training and ballroom dancing (these two were the focus of recent studies). Exercise probably benefits the brain just as it helps the cardiovascular system—by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, controlling weight, and improving cholesterol levels and blood sugar. In addition, brain scans show that aerobic exercise can actually improve brain activity and produce new brain cells and connections between them."
Speaking personally, I find that engaging in moderate aerobic activity tends to stimulate my thinking process, promoting creativity and problem solving. Part of this is probably due to the change of scenery and getting outside in the fresh air. But I think most of it is due to turning the crank on my heart rate.
In an article that seems made to order regarding my "on the cheap" comment on the About page (http://hub.teamhuman.org/about/), the Wall Street Journal today (4/16/09) has an article about low-cost ways to keep fit:
Lean Times Bring Workouts Home: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123984558896723563.html
A personal trainer is quoted saying, "You can still get in unbelievable shape without spending money." True, though it does take a time investment. But the health dividends this investment pays can lead to real monetary health care savings in the long term if you stick with it.
Some things they mention: viewing exercise programs at home from Netflix or ExerciseTV, group workouts in a parking lot with a trainer that everyone pitches in to pay, taking classes at a local junior college.
For those who need their gym or health club, many have started offering discounts to help folks with shaky employment. One thing they didn't mention: some companies have health club discounts for their employees.
