There is a white board at Curves, DTC that says, “Exercise actually develops a stronger brain. It induces the cells in the brain to reinforce old connections and make new connections. The denser neuron network makes you better able to process and store the information resulting in a smarter brain.” Is that true?

Here is a reply from Dr. Bennie Bub, a neurosurgeon certified on three continents:

Everything is always in dispute! In the fall of 2007 I am teaching an 8 week course for adults just for fun and I already have two articles in the reprints that I intend to hand out dealing with this question of exercise and the brain: “Exercise is a State of Mind” by Michael C. Miller, MD and “Stronger, Faster, Smarter” by Mary Carmichael in Newsweek.

From these articles it seems to be true that exercise can either help the brain grow new cells or increase the density of synapses. Both of these effects can perhaps make the brain function better and more efficiently. The mental effects of exercise are far more profound and complex than was once thought.

Some describe a “Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) and label it the “Miracle-Gro” of the brain. With regular exercise the body builds up BDNF and the brain’s nerve cells start to branch out, join together and communicate in new ways. Additionally, exercise is a pretty good anti-depressant.