Exercise and the Brain (BSP 33)

Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Harvard physician, Dr. John Ratey about his new book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

John J Ratey, MD

We explore the exciting evidence about how exercise helps the brain. It stimulates the release of a number of different neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, but probably more importantly it helps keeps these compounds balanced. We consider why exercise is so important in dealing with stress, in treating a wide range of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder. There is also evidence that exercise improves our ability to learn and our ability to avoid the loss of mental agility associated with aging.

Listen to Episode 33 Now.

This episode contains information that everyone can use. I hope you will share it with your friends and family.

Links and References:

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (2008) by John J. Ratey

Dr. Ratey's website: Go here for more interview of Dr. Ratey and also to find links to the latest research about exercise and the brain.

Listen to Dr. Ratey's Interview Now.

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Comments

[Jon Nordland]

That was great! I popped on this baby when just before i when for a walk with my mp3 player and it was realy enjoyable. Thanks making such great and informative pod casts!

I'll be sure to follow this site closely from now.

[Microscopes]

Wow, very informative site i like this. For the Author of this site. Keep up the very nice work

[Ryan Skene]

This episode was my first listen to your podcast. I've been interested in neuroscience as a hobby for sometime and this is a great way to feed that monster.

Keep em coming. I will be listening.

rs

[Roberto Portolese]

Thank you for your commitment to the podcast, I have been listening for about a year, the podcast on exercise has inspired me and with the coming of spring in Canada I will try to run outside. I would still like to hear about stimulating the brain and creating new pathways with non physical challenges and exercise. Thank you.

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[...] on BDNF: “Miracle Grow” for the Brain Posted on April 8, 2008 by docartemis In Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast, Harvard’s Dr. John Ratey introduced us to brain-derived [...]

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[...] today I listened to a podcast on Exercise and the Brain, with Ginger Campbell and John Ratey. Fascinating stuff. Thanks to DSInfoExchange for the link. [...]

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[...] just listened to Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast I realise that more emphasis should be directed at physical exercise. This podcast is an interview [...]

[nikki]

I'm doing a project on how exercise helps with the brain and for memory.
I was wondering if you can help me understand it better.

[docartemis]

Nikki,

I suggest getting Ratey's book and looking up the references. You can also find more references at http://brainrules.net/.

[Exercise and the Brain | The P]

[...] Brain Science podcast. In this particular episode she interviews Dr. John Ratey about his new book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. As my regular listeners know, I’ve been working hard lately to get in shape and this [...]

[Mike Pantaleo]

I really enjoyed the podcast. I have a question if exercise is good for you why is there some people who simply do not like to exercise and as a result don't? Is there anything you can do to overcome this negative feeling?

[» Learning & the Bra]

[...] Movement and Exercise • npr – Exercise Helps Students in the Classroom • The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain – Exercise • Brain Science Podcast #33: Exercise and the Brain interview with John Ratey, author of Spark: the Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain [...]

[brain exercises for mind train]

Wonderful. Thanks, Dr. Ratey.

Thinking about Mike Pantaleo's comment it seems that for some people there is a natural resistance to exercise. Many people (myself included) who do enjoy exercise have days when they'd rather not do it. Then it becomes mind over matter, in my experience. The will to benefit from the exercise must outweigh the resistance. Having a schedule seems to help, and having other people to exercise with, or paying a personal trainer...

Martin
www.mindevolvesoftware.com

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[...] and does so in a thorough, thoughtful, and open-minded manner.  Most recently, I listened to her interview with Dr. John J. Ratey of Harvard Medical School, whose research explores the compelling association between exercise and [...]