While there has been clear evidence of a strong link between bodily health and mental wellbeing, a new study has used twins to find a correlation between leg strength and brain health.

It pays not to think to of the brain and body as separate, despite how intuitive that feels. While our conscious minds appear more ephemeral than our physical selves, they are both inextricably one and the same. Working the body send blood and oxygen through the brain, which boosts everything from positive emotions to better focus to longevity. The NY Times has more on the new study:

Study after study has shown correlations between physical activity, muscular health and mental acuity, even among people who are quite old.

Muscular power, especially in the legs — which are the largest muscles in the body — is widely accepted as a marker of healthy aging. Older people with relatively powerful leg muscles get around better than those with weak legs. They also tend to have sharper minds, studies show.

They found that of the 324 twins, those who had had the sturdiest legs a decade ago showed the least fall-off in thinking skills, even when the scientists controlled for such factors as fatty diets, high blood pressure and shaky blood-sugar control.

This brings new meaning to not skipping leg day. It appears that if you’re going to focus on any particular muscle group, the legs may be the most important, especially in terms of living longer. Check out the full post for more details.

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