7 minutes of HIIT improves reaction times

Studies suggest that people who exercise make fewer mistakes when performing complex tasks. One explanation for that could be that exercise can improve the function of synapses between neurons, which helps brain cells communicate better.

One study from the University of Wisconsin found just one workout was enough to “significantly decrease” reaction times. Even better, it found that just seven minutes of intense movement was enough to make a difference. So that might mean scheduling a 10-minute living room HIIT session before work or doing some sort of sport that involves intermittent intervals of work, such as netball.

Exercise recommendation

Playing games or sports that require you to react (like tennis or dodgeball) can improve your reaction times, but if you’re not into sports, it’s clear that simply getting that heart rate up for short intervals is enough to make a big difference. Switching up your environment can get those neuron pathways working too, so think about switching from road to trail running once in a while.

5 science-backed ways exercise can boost your brain power (in just 7 minutes)