Combining exercise and an enriched environment: walking book club

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In previous posts (here, here, here, here) I have explained how the two simplest things you can do for better brain and body health is live in an enriched environment (new learning, novelty, etc), and exercise. But we all are limited by time. That is why I was quite excited by a post by Alvaro posted at SharpBrains who interviewed a leading neuroscientist, Dr Kraemer. Dr Kramer is widely published and wrote a very good review paper in nature reviews neuroscience, which examined the positive impact on the brain from aerobic exercise (a high impact review journal which you don’t get to write for unless you are highly published and respected).

The simple, but great idea, offered as practical advice in the interview was why not combine an enriched environment with exercise in the form of a walking book club. This would save you time and give you twice the impact (in theory). Why not combine intellectual engagement and exercise?

So head over to Alvaro’s interview of Dr. Kramer – very interesting and down to earth advice.

I was lucky enough to be involved in a book club back in Vancouver, Canada with some great friends, until I recently moved (temporary). The question I will have to ask my friends is how we are going to carry the wine (see resveratrol) during the walk and talk ?

I think once I go back to Vancouver we will have to implement the new and improved book club. Anyone reading this blog and living in Vancouver are welcome to join – I will keep everybody informed.

But beyond my own plans, the idea of an ‘active’ book club (walking is the easiest to implement I presume) could be started by any of you out there. How about it – this could be a whole new movement (well, if Oprah started one).

3 comments for “Combining exercise and an enriched environment: walking book club

  1. Bokeh
    July 8, 2008 at 6:56 am

    Seems like James Bond’s way of life is the best for brain and body health – surrounded by beautiful people (usually women), very enriched environment with plenty of challenges on a daily basis….if you don’t die from those ‘challenges’ that is.

  2. October 27, 2008 at 7:57 am

    People should read this.

  3. Ward
    October 27, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    Maxine,

    thanks.