A lot of us underestimate just how much brain power is needed in order to pull off a successful workout routine – that is, until we’re feeling unfocused, stressed, or unmotivated, and can barely get through a single circuit before burning out. We’ve all heard about the mind-body connection, and it’s true that our mind needs to be sharp in order for us to accomplish our fitness goals.
On a more scientific level, we need a functional cognitive system in order to be focused, alert, and motivated enough to stay in the game, whether in the gym, on a hike, or in a competitive sport.
But, many of us have a hard time with that, when we’re burnt out with work, stressed out about our lives, or generally unmotivated. So, we are going to cover some ways to build your cognition back up. That way, you can make your fitness goals a reality.
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Cognitive Function and Its Role in Working Out
Cognition refers to a variety of functions that exist in the cognitive center of the brain. These functions include:
- Memory
- Alertness
- Motivation
- Mindset
- Focus/Concentration
- Mental Stamina
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
Now, as you can see, a lot of these functions are very much related to exercise. For instance, our executive functions (motivation, decision-making, and problem-solving) can play a huge role in how capable we are of actually getting up and starting an exercise session.
Alertness, mindset, mental stamina, and concentration all influence how well we can stay focused on reaching a particular fitness goal – say, a certain number of reps – before either getting distracted or giving up prematurely for no particularly good reason.
Because of this, it’s paramount that we support not just our physical health, but our mental health, if we want to reach our full potential in fitness. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do this, and we’re going to cover them here shortly.
Why Do Some People Have Cognitive Issues When Working Out Then?
Cognitive issues during (or after working out) can arise from various factors, often related to both physiological and psychological responses to exercise. Understanding these can help in addressing or mitigating such issues. Below are several reasons why some people may experience cognitive difficulties associated with physical exercise:
- Dehydration: Exercise, especially in hot conditions or without adequate hydration, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration affects the brain's function, potentially causing confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Physical activity uses up glucose, the brain's primary energy source. Not eating enough before exercising or engaging in prolonged or very intense exercise can lower blood sugar levels, leading to cognitive issues such as poor concentration, confusion, and even faintness or dizziness.
- Overexertion and Fatigue: Pushing the body too hard during a workout can lead to physical and mental fatigue. When the body is overexerted, resources may be diverted from cognitive processes to support physical needs, impairing decision-making, concentration, and memory.
- Oxygen Deprivation: Intense exercise, particularly in environments with lower oxygen levels (like high altitudes), can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. This can impair cognitive functions and lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness or disorientation.
- Stress Response: Exercise induces a stress response in the body, releasing hormones like cortisol. While this can enhance alertness and energy in the short term, excessive or prolonged stress responses may negatively impact cognitive functions, causing issues such as anxiety or decreased concentration.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Exercise leads to sweating and the loss of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for nerve and brain function. An imbalance can affect cognitive abilities, contributing to confusion and lack of focus.
- Poor Nutrition: Lack of essential nutrients can impair brain function. For instance, deficiencies in Vitamins B, D, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals can lead to cognitive difficulties. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining cognitive functions, especially when regularly engaging in physical activity.
- Heat Exhaustion: Exercising in high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, which affects the brain and can cause symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
- Psychological Factors: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can be exacerbated by exercise for some individuals, leading to cognitive issues during or after working out.
What are the Best Methods for Boosting Cognition, to Supercharge Your Fitness Routine
Do you want to give your brain health a boost, specifically to enhance your exercise regimen? Well, we have got you covered with some key methods for taking cognition to new heights to fuel your fitness game.
Method #1: Feed Your Brain Through Diet
First off, never underestimate the power of diet when it comes to brain health. Cognition killers like sweets, carbs, processed foods, and alcohol can all bring down cognitive functions, by giving your brain energy from all the wrong sources, and denying actual nutrients that help it function at its highest level. Choose brain-boosting foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which improve brain function on a cellular level.
Method #2: Get Plenty of Sleep
Obviously, getting enough sleep is a no-brainer. Without the right amount of sleep each night, you simply won’t be able to feel your best the next day, either physically or mentally – after all, most of us are familiar with that “spaced out” feeling after a particularly poor night of sleep, when our brains simply can’t focus on anything at all, let alone working out.
Method #3: Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is paramount to healthy brain function. Our cognition is highly dependent on not only water, but electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and others, in order to function properly. These electrolytes literally feed our brains what they need to function properly, which is why dehydration can lead to major brain fog.
Method #4: Work Out Your Brain
Yes, we can boost our cognition by doing “brain exercises”. Studies have proven that there are real cognitive benefits to problem-solving exercises, which can be as simple as a crossword puzzle or a game of Sudoku. These activities keep our brain sharp, so to speak, just like working out a muscle of the body.
Method #5: Avoid Excessive Stress
We all know that stress can be enormously taxing to our health. A constant flood of stress hormones robs our bodies of energy, and it drains the brain of its strength as well.
Chronic stress can lead to burnout, which is a state in which our brain power is significantly compromised, leading to brain fog, poor decision-making skills, and an utter lack of motivation. Obviously, ridding your life of stress is easier said than done, but if you can, make an effort to engage in stress-relieving techniques that are proven to be effective.
Method #6: Take Supplements
A lot of us struggle with poor cognition due to a lack of critical nutrients, like certain minerals and vitamins that the brain needs to function at its highest level. Examples are vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Taking pre-workout supplements daily can play a powerful role in boosting your brain function so that you can stay more focused, alert, and motivated throughout the day.
Method #7: Use Pre-Workout Gummies
Our favorite way to improve cognition is to take a pre-workout supplement daily, along with the other methods above. Pre-workout products contain brain-boosting ingredients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and more, all of which can work together to increase cognitive functions that play a critical role in working out – after all, these products are formulated specifically for exercising.
Taking a pre-workout 30 minutes before each exercise session can do wonders for getting your head in the game, helping you stay motivated to push yourself until you reach your goals. Choosing the right pre-workout formula can have a significantly positive impact on your cognition, so finding a company you can trust is critical.
Pre-Workout: Covering All Your Cognitive Needs in One
Boosting cognition can play a huge role in helping you work out more efficiently, all while enhancing strength, muscle gains, and physical energy – not a bad deal, if you ask us. At Bounce Nutrition, we offer a variety of pre-workout gummies that are easy to take, and contain all-natural, vegan ingredients to provide significant cognitive enhancement.