Some people zone out when they do open water swimming. Some people sing songs…over and over again. Some people enjoy the scenery. Other think about work, school or family. But a handful of people study and think about homework as they methodically swim in the open water.
That makes biological sense.
Scientists have proven that exercise positively affects the brain, and that memory is improved after strenuous exercise.
According to researchers in Ireland who tested students after riding at different intensities on a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes, there is a boost in memory due to exercise. Immediately after the workout, the students experienced significantly higher levels of a protein called BDNF that is known to promote the health of nerve cells. This supported the conclusion that mental abilities appear to improve with exercise.
Dr. Ahmad Salehi, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, did a separate study on airline pilots ages 40 to 65. “So many studies have shown that exercise increases levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). The one factor that shows the fastest, most consistent and greatest response [to exercise] is BDNF. It seems to be key to maintaining not just memory but skilled task performance. The evidence is very, very strong that physical activity will increase BDNF levels and improve cognitive health.”
Swimmers and triathletes are smart people. Now we know why.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.