When it comes to exercise, we tend to have one main motive: how our body looks and maybe even losing weight. We want to stay trimmed, toned and ready for our bikini’s come summer time. But research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that aerobic exercise helps to prevent cognitive decline. Read on to find more.

Once women hit their 30’s, they begin to focus more and more on anti-aging regimens, including skin care and fitness. But these tend to focus on outward signs of aging. But what about our brains?

Your brain can age, too, and that can increase a person’s risk of developing milk cognitive impairment (MCI) and even neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Luckily, aerobic exercise is a free and easy way to keep your mind sharp.

According to Harvard Medical School, “Aerobic exercise is key for your head, just as it is for your heart.” Researchers are still trying to figure out why aerobic exercise supports a healthy, youthful brain. Perhaps aerobic exercise strengthens neural pathways in the brain. Or, perhaps it increases areas of the brain associated with memory and learning.

Either way, the American Academy of Neurology suggests engaging in cardio exercise twice a week to help slow age-related decline in cognitive function, such as memory loss, judgment, language and thinking skills.

This can include a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session, cycling, running, a brisk walk, pilates, or whatever your preferred form of aerobic exercise is. The more you love it, the more likely it is that you’ll actually engage in it on a regular basis.

And that’s a great way to support your brain health to prevent age-related cognitive decline to keep you young both on the inside and the outside.