The Importance of a strong body to support a strong mind

Larry Smithwick • February 12, 2022

How A Strong Body Supports A Strong Mind

If I were to ask you, "How can I make my computer faster without upgrading the CPU?" how would you respond? You might say "Up the clock speed of your CPU", or "Close unnessary programs" and either of those would probably work to some extent. But what is the easist and most sure fire way to get a big performace gain? Upgrade your supporting hardware. Get a better graphics card, RAM, & power supply and witness your favorite games at higher resolutions and how Chrome will now let you have more then three tabs open before sending your computer to crawl. If you want the computer to "think" quicker without replacing its "brain" you upgrade all of the components that support it. Studies show that the same is true for the mind and the body.

via GIPHY


The Studies

If you google anything related to benefits of exercise you will be bombarded with a litany of statistics and reasons exercise is good for you. However while many of those are well and good, living longer, being stronger, having more energy I want to focus on mental aspects. How, like the computer, when we focus on keeping our bodies strong our mental performance also benifits. Evidence shows that physical exercise (PE) affects brain plasticity, affecting cognition and your sense of wellbeing ( Weinberg and Gould, 2015 ). In fact, experimental and clinical studies have reported that PE creates structural and functional changes in the brain, meaning that morning run is creating real physical changes in how our brain functions. Studies suggest that in adults, PE causes structural changes such as increased gray matter volume in frontal and hippocampal regions ( Colcombe et al., 2006 ; Erickson et al.,2011 and reduces damage caused to gray matter ( Chaddock-Heyman et al., 2014 ). PE also triggers the release of neurotrophic factors such as ( peripheral BDNF ; Hötting et al., 2016 ). Acute exercise induces alterations in cerebral blood flow, glucose and lactate levels which support your metabolism carrying “food” to the brain ( Mandolesi et al., 2017 ). More recently, growing evidence shows that acute aerobic exercise, (defined as a single intense exercise session), improves cognitive functions, especially prefrontal cortex-dependent cognition ( Basso and Suzuki, 2017 ). Beside frequency and duration, the intensity is a parameter to be considered when evaluating PE effects. It has been shown that moderate intensity exercise is related to increased performance in working memory and cognitive flexibility, whereas high-intensity exercise improves the speed of information processing ( Chang and Etnier, 2009 ).
via GIPHY

But I Hate Exercise!

I hear you, and I've been there. I can think of any number of reasons why you might think excercise is not for you but I guarentee you they all fall flat in the face of the evidence. Do you hate exercise? How can you hate something that is proven to improve you mood and reduce depression? (see Weinberg and Gould, 2015 ) Next time your feeling down try going for a walk around block and I bet you'll feel a little better. For your long term success I suggest you work on building a routine. For more on that I suggest reading a ( recent post ) by Christian Sommer on just that! Good luck!

Photo by Karsten Winegeart via Unsplash
By VectorOne April 2, 2025
For many businesses, spreadsheets are the go-to solution for organizing data, managing workflows, and tracking progress. However, as companies grow, spreadsheets can become cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient. Manual data entry, version control issues, and lack of real-time collaboration can slow down operations and lead to costly mistakes. The solution? Transitioning from spreadsheets to digital automation.
By VectorOne March 4, 2025
We recently had some conversations with people in different levels about software changes in their organization. What we heard was...where do we start this conversation? As a business leader, you recognize that technology plays a vital role in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. However, convincing decision-makers to invest in new or upgraded software can be challenging. To get the conversation started, here are some key discussion points that highlight the need for change and the benefits of a tailored solution.
By VectorOne September 5, 2024
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. Companies rely on a variety of systems to manage different aspects of their operations, from customer relationship management (CRM) tools to accounting software, inventory management, and more. However, a common challenge many organizations face is ensuring these systems communicate effectively with one another. When systems operate in silos, it can lead to inefficiencies, such as double data entry, errors, and lost productivity. This is where the importance of finding the right tech solutions for seamless system communication comes into play.
By VectorOne July 25, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the roles of professionals often blur and intertwine, leading to innovative approaches in project management. One such emerging trend is the shift from traditional project managers to designers taking the lead in projects. This shift offers a multitude of positive impacts, transforming the way projects are conceptualized, developed, and executed.
By VectorOne July 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the success and efficiency of companies. However, with rapid technological advancements come significant challenges that companies must navigate. Here are the five biggest technology challenges companies face today and how partnering with a software development company can provide much-needed solutions.
By VectorOne June 10, 2024
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions. Adopting a CRM can offer numerous advantages, from improving customer service to driving sales and fostering collaboration within your team. Let's delve into the pros of using a CRM and explore how to choose the right one for your business needs. We'll also discuss the value of custom solutions when off-the-shelf options fall short.
By VectorOne May 31, 2024
In today's fast-paced digital world, software applications are at the heart of virtually every business operation and personal activity. From managing finances to communicating with teams across the globe, the importance of reliable and efficient software cannot be overstated. However, a significant challenge that persists across the software landscape is the lack of solid user interfaces (UI). This issue is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can lead to decreased productivity, frustrated users, and ultimately, the failure of otherwise promising applications.
Show More