The next time you go for a run or take an indoor cycling class, think about this: You may be getting smarter. Or at the very least, stimulating the development of new cells in the learning centers of your brain.
Researchers at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif., examined the newly formed brain cells in mice.
They discovered that ''voluntary exercise in a running wheel increased cell proliferation.''
It is important to note that these mice were fully developed and yet still experienced brain cell regeneration, a function once believed to be limited to developing mammals.
But it wasn't just the exercise that helped increase cell development. A second, related study published in the same journal reports that cell development in this part of the brain also increased when the mice were placed in interesting, varied environments with plenty of stimuli.
So what makes for a good workout - a stimulating environment and challenging exercises - is also good for the brain.
