Muscling in on brain power
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are more than super-strong superheroes -- they have brain power, too. Schwarzenegger, movie idol and former governor of California, has an IQ of 132, according to CBS News. Johnson graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree in criminology and physiology and is now a major Hollywood producer.
That's no surprise to researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. They're offering evidence of just how important skeletal muscle function is for cognitive health. They even say the key to fighting off Alzheimer's doesn't just reside in the brain -- it's in your muscles!
It seems that during physical exertion, a certain protein (Cathepsin B) is released by the muscles, and it directly impacts memory and cognition. So, if you're forgetting to get your 10,000 steps or the equivalent daily and two or three 20-30-minute strength-building sessions a week, I recommend these three techniques to make sure you keep your muscles -- and your mind -- strong.
1. Enlist an exercise pal, join a team or pay for classes and/or training sessions, so you have exercise appointments you have to keep.
2. Mix it up so you don't get bored. Combine walking with swimming, pickleball, Pilates, step and spin classes, yoga, tai chi -- whatever you enjoy.
3. Make sure to get good quality sleep (around seven hours nightly) so you have the energy and focus you need to enjoy working out.
For more ideas and support, check out 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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