Verified by Psychology Today

The Athlete's Way

Sweat and the biology of bliss

Aging
How Active Music Listening Can Make Our Brains Bigger

Christopher Bergland on May 23, 2023

As we age, our brains tend to shrink. New fMRI research shows how actively listening to music beefs up certain brain areas and improves working memory functions.

As we age, our brains tend to shrink. New fMRI research shows how actively listening to music beefs up certain brain areas and improves working memory functions.

Motivation
Why Escapism Benefits Some Recreational Runners but Not All

Christopher Bergland on January 26, 2023

Escapism is double-edged. If escapism is motivated by self-expansion, it makes runners happier. But if escapism is driven by self-suppression, it has the opposite effect.

Escapism is double-edged. If escapism is motivated by self-expansion, it makes runners happier. But if escapism is driven by self-suppression, it has the opposite effect.

Dementia
HIIT Workouts Turbocharge Exercise's Neuroprotective Power

Christopher Bergland on January 13, 2023

Six minutes of high-intensity exercise causes BDNF to skyrocket and protects the brain from degeneration much better than 90 minutes of low-intensity exercise, a new study reports.

Six minutes of high-intensity exercise causes BDNF to skyrocket and protects the brain from degeneration much better than 90 minutes of low-intensity exercise, a new study reports.

Boredom
Bored With Your Workout Regimen? Take a Playful 'Silly Walk'

Christopher Bergland on December 27, 2022

Monty Python made "silly walking" famous in the 1970s. New research shows why trying to mimic a "Ministry of Silly Walks" gait isn't just humorous. It's also a vigorous workout.

Monty Python made "silly walking" famous in the 1970s. New research shows why trying to mimic a "Ministry of Silly Walks" gait isn't just humorous. It's also a vigorous workout.

Stress
Buddhist Precepts Reduce Stress and Buffer Depression: Study

Christopher Bergland on December 2, 2022

You don't have to be a Buddhist to benefit from living by a moral code. New research suggests that people who strive to "do the right thing" tend to be less stressed and depressed.

You don't have to be a Buddhist to benefit from living by a moral code. New research suggests that people who strive to "do the right thing" tend to be less stressed and depressed.

Education
One Reason Kids Learn Faster Than Adults

Christopher Bergland on November 17, 2022

Why do kids learn quickly? Neuroimaging research shows us how children's brains work differently than adults' brains during the learning process.

Why do kids learn quickly? Neuroimaging research shows us how children's brains work differently than adults' brains during the learning process.

Memory
New Discovery: The Cerebellum Enhances Emotional Memories

Christopher Bergland on October 7, 2022

New research sheds light on how the cerebellum (Latin for "little brain") and the strength of its connections to the cerebrum (Latin for "big brain") enhances emotional memories.

New research sheds light on how the cerebellum (Latin for "little brain") and the strength of its connections to the cerebrum (Latin for "big brain") enhances emotional memories.

Health
Why Weightlifting Plus Cardio Is a Winning Combo

Christopher Bergland on September 29, 2022

Aerobic exercise promotes longevity. Strength training helps us live longer, too. Combining cardio and weightlifting almost doubles the benefits of each.

Aerobic exercise promotes longevity. Strength training helps us live longer, too. Combining cardio and weightlifting almost doubles the benefits of each.