Shadow boxing v/s power walking: Which enhances mental alertness more?
What's the story
Shadow boxing and power walking are two popular exercises that promise to boost mental alertness. While shadow boxing is a high-intensity workout that combines physical movement with mental focus, power walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that improves cardiovascular health. Both exercises have their own benefits and can be used to improve cognitive function. Here's a look at how each of them affects mental alertness.
#1
The cognitive benefits of shadow boxing
Shadow boxing requires you to concentrate on your movements and techniques, which improves your focus and mental agility. The exercise also requires quick decision-making and coordination, which can improve your brain's processing speed. The combination of physical exertion and mental engagement makes shadow boxing an effective workout for improving cognitive function.
#2
Power walking's impact on brain health
Power walking is a great way to increase blood flow to the brain, which is essential for cognitive health. The steady pace of power walking helps in reducing stress levels and improving mood, both of which are essential for mental alertness. The aerobic nature of power walking also helps in increasing oxygen supply to the brain, improving concentration and memory.
#3
Comparing intensity levels
Shadow boxing is an intense workout that requires you to give it your all, both physically and mentally. The high intensity can lead to the release of endorphins, which are known to improve mood and alertness. Power walking, on the other hand, is a moderate-intensity exercise that can be sustained over longer periods without causing fatigue.
Tip 1
Time commitment considerations
Shadow boxing sessions are usually shorter as they are more intense than power walking sessions. A 20-minute shadow boxing session may yield similar cognitive benefits as a 45-minute power walk. However, if you have limited time, shadow boxing may be the better option for a quick mental boost.