Each time you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one example of a neurotransmitter that helps you with attention and clearer thinking. People who have ADHD often have less dopamine in their brain than usual. To compensate, doctors proscribe medications that increase the availability of dopamine in their brains.
New studies are showing that simply adding exercise to your daily routine can help those who suffer from ADHD:
A study from the Dr. Charles Hillman of the University of Illinois found that kids who exercised regularly showed enhancement cognitive performance and brain function. They exhibited higher executive control, which means they could resist distraction, maintain focus, and switch more easily between tasks.
Another study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that 8 weeks with 26 minutes of daily physical activity significantly improved ADHD symptoms in grade school children.
Dr. Hillman stated that our world had a “pandemic of physical inactivity” that is a “serious threat to global health.” He claimed that this issue is responsible for 10 percent of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases.
Exercise is a great way to manage symptoms of ADHD.
Exercise doesn’t just help children and adults with ADHD. A Swedish professor named Paul Nystedt told the Atlantic journalist that, “Obese teenagers go on to earn 18 percent less money as adults than their peers, even if they are no longer obese.” Nystadt went on to state, “The rapid increase in childhood and adolescent obesity could have long-lasting effects on the economic growth and productivity of nations.”
A Harvard associate professor named John Ratey suggests that people think of exercise as medication for ADHD. Just like the medication Adderall, even light physical activity can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin to improve mood and cognitive performance.
We always recommend that you talk to your doctor before changing any medication or beginning a new exercise program. However, adding physical exercise to your daily routine may help you or your loved one deal with symptoms of ADHD.
A home treadmill or elliptical can be the perfect tool to meet your new exercise goals. Before you go to work or school, hop on your machine for a quick workout to get your blood flowing and your brain focused.
Check out our Best Buys page for some tips on what types of elliptical machine will work best with your goals and budget. If you need more guidance, be sure to check out our Buyer’s Guide and other articles that talk about the pros and cons of certain brands.
