3425: Why Our Brains Need Us to Walk by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Benefits Of Walking

3425: Why Our Brains Need Us to Walk by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Benefits Of Walking

From Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition by Optimal Living Daily | Dr. Neal Malik

June 9, 2026 · 9 min · Episode 3425

About this episode

Dr. Jenny Brockis discusses the importance of walking for brain health and cognitive function.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3425: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores compelling research showing that regular physical activity, especially walking, can improve concentration, academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term brain health. Drawing on insights from Dr. John Ratey and studies on memory preservation, she makes a persuasive case that even modest weekly exercise can help protect cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia as we age. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2010/10/17/why-our-brains-need-us-to-walk/ Quotes to ponder: "Brain shrinkage is normal. We all start losing brain volume beginning in our twenties, albeit at a very low rate of 0.2% per year." "If the choice is between taking thirty minutes out of my day to exercise, so that I can keep my brain working the way I want it to for as long as possible or choosing to skip the exercise and just take the risk that memory impairment might hit earlier. I choose to get out there and walk." "Brain scans performed nine years later showed that…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Neal Malik

Guest: Dr. Jenny Brockis

Topics covered

  • walking
  • brain health
  • cognitive function
  • exercise benefits
  • dementia prevention

Keywords

  • walking
  • brain health
  • exercise
  • cognitive function
  • dementia
  • emotional well-being
  • academic performance

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