Why combine physical and mental training?

Doing physical and mental training produces significant memory benefits that neither method can achieve independently. Aerobic exercise promotes hippocampal development and cognitive exercise reinforces neural pathways. I've observed clients doubling their pace of recall improvements by using both of these methods. Your brain receives both structural benefits from exercise and functional benefits from mental exercise.

Exercise builds the physical basis for memory enhancement. Exercise, such as jogging, can increase cerebral blood flow by up to 25 percent. More blood flow means more oxygen being delivered to your brain. I plan workouts before mental sessions. Better blood flow prepares your brain for optimal learning potential.

Mental training builds upon the foundation of exercise. Memory palaces, for instance, use the new neurons created by exercise. I have clients visualize information while walking. The simultaneous firing creates stronger memory traces than one or the other.

The order of the activities plays a role in achieving maximum synergy. I suggest 20 minutes of aerobic activity followed by 15 minutes of cognitive training. This timing takes advantage of blood flow at its highest level. The brain is in a prime state for encoding and retention during this period.

You can start using these methods today. Start with walking fast and simple recall practice, and then gradually increase their intensity and complexity. Test your memory to keep track of your progress. In just a few weeks, you will experience cognitive improvement from this brilliant combination!

Read the full article: 8 Essential Memory Techniques