Cognitive fitness means consciously putting your brain to work with challenging exercises while moving. Professor Eric Scherder, among others, introduced us to the effect of exercise on the brain and controlling impulses. This is just an introduction, because the Cognitive Fitness course started in Wassenaar in February in the spacious activity room of the Sterrenbad.
Under the inspiring leadership of Victor Verwoerd, 18 students will follow this 3-month training. The enthusiasm is great. This is evident from the fact that no one lost weight and from the conversations afterwards over coffee or tea. The atmosphere is great even though it turns out to be more difficult than people think. The often opposing movements of fingers, hands, arms and legs often lead to confusion.
After warming up our body, we engage our brains with exercises that involve movement or pure memory assignments by solving small puzzles, drawings, arithmetic and words. People work alone, in pairs or groups. Of course we have been told that it is not a cure for dementia, but it is purely a combined memory/exercise training. The power of movement, challenging the brain, relaxation and fun. Working together without a competitive element also creates solidarity, everyone has their weaknesses and understanding for each other is gained through play. Of course, a coach like Victor is very important, he stimulates everyone in a pleasant way, full of humor and dedication. The course runs until the end of May. After that, we will have to maintain our brains ourselves without balls, ropes, mats and cones. In the meantime, we have become formidable opponents of professors Einstein and Scherder. This course is organized by the W.O.B in collaboration with the Sterrenbad and Fit in Wassenaar. Supported by WASBO, FWO and SMOW. Healthy, fit and resilient together!
