Thank heavens for my friend, Sondra! She keeps me on task so that I go do cardio at our local gym. And that’s important not only for my physical fitness level, but also for my brain fitness.

The Jan. 18 issue of Parade magazine featured an article by Michael O’Shea entitled, “Boost Your Brain.” He notes that several studies show that exercise can have a significant impact on an aging brain.

For instance, regular aerobic exercise may delay or reverse age-related brain decline, including decline due to Alzheimer’s and dementia. The British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that in a review of studies, moderate physical activity that leaves the participant breathless can increase the volume of brain tissue and the brain’s ability to function. Another study from the University of Kansas reported that early-Alzheimer’s patients who work out regularly show less brain deterioration.

So I hope that you’ll join Sondra and me in the gym on a regular basis to exercise on the treadmill, the step class, elliptical trainer, or the bicycle. Push your body’s limit aerobically – both your brain and your body will thank you!