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Exercise and The Brain
Health | September 03, 2014
It’s Not Just In Your Head
A recent study done by the Center For Integrative Brain Research (CIBR) out of the University of Washington found that a region of the brain might potentially be in charge of providing us motivation to exercise. Known as the medial habenula, this area of the brain is generally associated with motivation and mood. This current study suggests that this region may also govern our desire to workout.
This discovery has a lot of potential and meaning for us regarding our health and wellbeing. An important aspect of this discovery is the association between exercise and mood disorders, specifically depression. As some of you already know, exercise is one of the most effective methods for treating depression outside of medication. This study reinforces much of the research regarding exercise and depression. By having a better idea of where our motivation to exercise comes from, researchers may be able to better target this region of the brain when treating mood disorders as well.
Another, perhaps, even more important aspect of this recent discovery is that it may provide us with even more reason to be consistent when exercising. If, in fact, our motivation to exercise can be physically located, neurologically speaking, this implies that through repetition and habit we are, for lack of better words, strengthening and growing this area of the brain.
As with any habit-forming activity, consistency in working out may actually provide a stronger neurological structure in our brains. The more an area of the brain is used, the more neural pathways are formed. In relation to exercise, this stronger network may safeguard us from losing motivation to workout during those days and weeks when time is at a premium, stress is high and our desire to exercise is at a low.
Most of us that exercise on a regular basis already know that once we become consistent, working out it becomes second nature. It no longer feels like a chore or a punishment, but a part of our day that we look forward to. In fact, missing more than a day makes us feel as though something is missing in our lives. This recent study demonstrates that our need to workout is not just in our heads, it’s actually in our brains!
Private Member |
Wow, this was super interesting article!
This topic is something I have been thinking a lot lately, especially now when I’ve been unable to workout for two weeks because of back injury and a flu. During these two weeks I have been feeling sad, depressed and not at all like myself. I am normally super happy, positive and thankful person and technically speaking everything is fine in my life but I just somehow cant get rid off this feeling that my life doesnt have any purpose right now. It feels very strange! Thank you Zuzka for this article, today I had my first workout for two weeks and I felt instantly a bit better, I just cant wait to get that happy me back! 🙂
Private Member |
I am a neurobiology student at UC Berkeley and seeing your site connect neuroscience to exercise is amazing- it’s like colliding two of the most important things in my life!
One of the inspiring things this study showed was that extra stimulation of the Dorso Medial Habenula during exercise motivated mice to exercise even more, while mice showed aversion towards inhibition of activity in this brain region – So just as you say, it seems to support the idea that, in this region, exercise is a positively reinforcing system. (However, they also mentioned that a parallel region of the brain may contribute to a negative motivational system) BUT, It is so exciting (and motivating) to see experimental results back up what has been for me a challenging shift to a healthier more consistent lifestyle!
Thanks for the inspiring post!!
Private Member |
I know for a fact this is true. Have been told by my physio to only do minimal exercise as my knee is really sore. My mood drops significantly when I miss my ZGym workouts 🙁
Private Member |
Yes the UW does lots of good research.
Private Member |
Great article!
Private Member |
Thanks Zu for this article.. it is very good!
Private Member |
I have a cold! and after three days of reduced activity I feel uncomfortable in my own skin! Exercise (especially with Z) have helped my through depression and divorce…
Private Member |
I know what you are saying Erika. Exercise always helped me fight the blues too . And now, For the first time in my life I can’t find the motivation to do it .. I am recovering from a serious illness and also just got dumped… And I’m just finding it very hard to get up and start again