Getting in shape can also give you a brain boost. According to recent findings revealed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, physically fit adults have a higher IQ and stronger verbal comprehension. Researchers at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden tested 1.2 million men who were born between 1950 and 1976. Cardiovascular fitness—but not muscular strength—was found to give the mind a lift. “Being fit means that you also have good heart and lung capacity and that your brain gets plenty of oxygen,” said Michael Nilsson, chief physician at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. “This may be one of the reasons why we can see a clear link with fitness, but not with muscular strength.”
