Dr. Ayden McCarthy, Ph.D., and Dr. Joshua Wedlock, Ph.D., have over 10 years of research experience and combine two complementary fields, sports science and educational science, to deliver the Exercise and the Brain Course.
Scientific research has shown that regular exercise provides a wide range of benefits, including improved physical health and significant positive effects on mental, cognitive, and social well-being. In terms of mental health, regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve mood and self-esteem. Exercise has also been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, attention, and executive function. Socially, exercise can bring people together and provide opportunities for social interaction and community building, improving our sense of connectedness and social support. Physically, exercise helps strengthen our muscles and bones, improve our cardiovascular health, and reduce our risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The brain-exercise relationship is symbiotic, as physical activity can promote brain plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences. Exercise can also promote the production of growth factors that support the survival and growth of new neurons in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function and overall brain health. The Exercise and the Brain course is designed to provide exercise professionals with a deeper understanding of the brain-exercise relationship and how to apply this knowledge to promote their clients' overall health and well-being.
2026 Dates: 24th of Jan, 28th of March, 23rd of May, and 25th of July. (Zoom) Times: 9:15 am (registration). 9:30 am – 4 pm. Price: $220 or an early-bird special of $180 (four weeks in advance); CECs: 5 points; Email: [email protected]