Movement Nugget: The power of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

I recently decided to add HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) to my workout routine—and it’s not just about staying fit! Studies are showing that HIIT is fantastic not only for our bodies but also for our brains, especially as we get older. One recent study even links HIIT to better memory and greater brain volume in older adults. Pretty cool, right?

So, what makes HIIT such a brain-boosting workout? There are three reasons:

• Improved Cardio Fitness = Boosted Brain Power
  HIIT workouts increase cardiorespiratory fitness, helping your heart pump blood more efficiently. This can lower blood pressure, which is a win for brain health. High blood pressure has been tied to decreased function of the small blood vessels in the brain and a shrinkage in key areas like the hippocampus—the area first affected by Alzheimer’s.

• HIIT Fights Inflammation
  Chronic inflammation can take a serious toll on brain health, leading to cognitive decline and even contributing to conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. HIIT has been shown to reduce levels of a protein, TNF-α, which contributes to inflammation, helping to keep your brain functioning optimally.

• More HIIT, More BNDF
  HIIT workouts are linked to increased levels of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is like fertiliser for your neurons—it helps them grow and repair. Since BDNF decreases with age, incorporating HIIT can help boost these levels, keeping your brain sharp and healthy.

Link for the recent study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39012673/