back pain chiropractor

Are Chiropractors Safe?

Are Chiropractors Safe To Visit?

Are you considering going to see a chiropractor or if chiropractors are safe? If your spinal condition is severe enough, your neurologist may recommend this form of treatment. However, before heeding the doctor’s orders, it’s important to understand what a chiropractor can do you.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure where a licensed chiropractor uses their hands to apply force to a specific area of your spine. In some cases, they may use a small instrument instead. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to improve a person’s bodily functions as well as enhance their spinal motion.

Who is a good candidate for chiropractic adjustment?

Before you’re able to get this procedure, you must be considered a good candidate for it. However, there are factors that need to be taken into consideration.

You may be a candidate for chiropractic adjustments if:

  • There is stiffness in your neck
  • You suffer from recurring pains and aches
  • Your shoulder musculature feels like they’re in knots
  • You have repeatedly experienced recurring health issues
  • You’re constantly feeling fatigued
  • You experience frequent headaches

What are the benefits of chiropractic adjustment?

While people have reported numerous benefits upon having chiropractic adjustment, there are still some misconceptions. Most people visit a chiropractor because of their poor posture or seek to relieve pain.

Here is a list of a few benefits that come with chiropractic adjustment:

  • Enhances your joint health, mobility and function
  • Can strengthen your immune system
  • Speeds up your recovery
  • Improves your sleep and vitality
  • Can relax an excited mind

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor and you’re in overall good health. There are other forms of treatments aside from chiropractic care, but if you feel like it’ll help, go for it. Just be sure to consult your doctor first.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best chiropractor for you.

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Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?

Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Hurt?

The simple answer is no. Chiropractic adjustments do not hurt and are completely safe when preformed by a docotr of chiropractic care. We’ve heard countless stories from patients who have been terrified from misconceptions and misunderstandings about chiropractic care. They have only resorted to chiropractors when everyone else they have seen can’t help them.

Here we’ll dispel two of the reasons why people think chiropractic adjustments hurt and explain exactly what happens.

Spine cracking videos

One misconception when people have with chiropractic adjustments is that they “sounds painful”. That is, in part, due to the chiropractic adjustment videos that have gained millions of views on YouTube. If your first encounter with chiropractis adjustments is through these videos, there’s a good chance you’ll be turned off from chiropractors. But adjustments aren’t painful, they just sounds like they are.

The “popping” sound originates in the synovial joint, which is a connection between two bones consisting of a cartilage lined cavity filled with fluid. When the joints are forced apart, gasses are trapped in the joint forming gas cavities.

During chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor applies a thrust with a measured amount of force to release the gasses, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which rapidly escape from the joint with a “popping” sound. It’s totally normal to have cavitations, and they’re found in places other than the spine – the knuckles for example. Chiropractors focus on spinal cavitations because chiropractic medicine is rooted in the belief that optimal health would be achieved through a healthy spine. So, if you’re terrified by the cracking videos on Youtube, you don’t have to be, because chiropractic adjustments do not hurt.

Neck cracking videos

Neck adjustments are next to back adjustments in being the most well-known cervical procedures that a chiropractor performs. However, your chiropractor only applies it in situations where it is necessary. When it’s part of your treatment plan, you might think of backing off, especially when its other names are “neck twisting” and “neck cracking”. But, like the cracking sounds from an adjustment, it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Located on the signs of your neck are facet joints, and what happens is like what happens to your spine, where pockets of gas get trapped in the joints. And just like back adjustments, you’ll also hear cracks during a neck adjustment. At most you’ll feel a little sore, but later you’ll feel substantially better. Given that neck adjustment are rarely administered, it should not be a reason to deter you from visiting a chiropractor.

Chiropractic adjustments do not hurt and are completely safe when done by a doctor of chiropractic care.

 

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chiropractic-care

What’s the value of chiropractic care?

What is the Value of Chiropractic Care?

The focus and care of a chiropractor is directed towards the well-being of the spine. The broad spectrum of the musculoskeletal system including joints, vital organs and nerves are also key focuses for a chiropractor. The value of chiropractic care goes beyond the time you spent in the clinic. Because chiropractors try to remove the obstacles that hinder the body from its natural ability to heal, their treatment includes suggestions for lifestyle changes: nutrition, diet, exercise, acupuncture and other similar treatments. The goal is for a patient’s overall wellness to be achieved through spine health and positive changes to their body.

Back and Spinal Issues

The spine is the major hub for the nervous system. Spinal problems like a simple back pain can just be the manifestation of something more harmful. You may think that you just pulled a muscle, but a chiropractor will beg to disagree.

Back problems can originate from a pulled muscle, but herniated disks in the spine and neck may cause it too. It’s kind of scary knowing that back pain is the only tangible part of the iceberg that hides the greater problem underneath.

How Can Chiropractic Care Fix These Problems?

Finding and treating the root cause of the problem has always been a chiropractor’s mission.

When the source of your troubles have been found, the treatment that follows usually takes time. It’s because chiropractic methods are non-medicinal and non-surgical. This means that it will take a while for the rest of your body to adjust to the treatment.

To many patients, chiropractic care is their last resort. When they’re on the very edge of hoping for a cure they’re putting all hope on their chiropractor. Reluctantly these patients sign on for the treatments, but when their condition improves gradually, they see the value of chiropractic care.

How Qualified Are Chiropractors?

For a non-medicinal, non-surgical practice, chiropractors are usually grouped together with physical therapists. A chiropractor’s expertise, knowledge and training is vastly different from a physical therapist though.

Both work on the arena of physical medicine and treat the biomechanical dysfunction of the body, but the approach to healing differs. As a musculoskeletal expert, a chiropractor stresses the proper functioning of the nervous system. To resolve the issues a patient is facing, a chiropractor focuses on the interaction between the nerves, the spine and the muscles. They also focus on why it negatively affects proper function, and by the help of an adjustment, resolves it.

While it may seem a chiropractor can do it all, they stick to their strengths. They can establish a diagnosis, rule out complicating conditions, and prescribe a regimen of care independently. When it’s evident that a patient’s care is beyond what chiropractic care can provide, it’s their duty to recommend a doctor qualified to treat them.

That is the value of chiropractic care: a low-risk, non-surgical, non-medicinal care that by solving the root cause of your problems, can provide you with relief and guide you towards better health.

 

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What to Eat and Drink When You’re Preparing for a Marathon

What to Eat and Drink When You’re Preparing for a Marathon

You may be surprised, because the best thing to eat is fast-absorbing carbs. You need food that’s rich in simple sugars to fuel the muscles for running. It also has to be easy to digest so your running won’t be impeded. We know water is super important to drink throughout the day and leading up to your marathon, but the best things to drink are those that have plenty of electrolytes and vitamins! 

At 30-60 minutes in, here is what is best to eat and drink mid-run:

 

What to Drink Mid-Run

  • Coconut water

Although coconut water isn’t some magical beverage that people claim it to be, it does have its merits. 

It’s a great source of electrolytes: phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium; it also provides your body with carbohydrates. Your stomach digests it well so if you’re the type who can’t hold food and liquids in after a run, this is good for you.

To give coconut water an interesting twist, incorporate it in a recovery smoothie. 

Blend coconut water, fruits, greens, and inject with protein with greek yogurt, nut butter or protein powder. It’s a quick, easy, nutritious drink packed with nutrition.

 

  • Salt and water

It sounds weird considering drinking salt and water conjures the image of shipwrecked sailors drinking seawater… but there’s a reasoning behind it. 

The concept behind it “hyperhydration”, a trick used by athletes to store as much as 1 liter of extra fluid for exercising.

When drinking salt with water, your body will try to balance the sodium and water levels. Extra sodium  suppresses the signals that would tell your body when to pee. 

A study recommends that a teaspoon of salt in a liter of water before running is enough to keep you hydrated. It’s not recommended for those with elevated blood pressure though.

A pinch of salt

 

  • Infused water

Infused water is the best compromise between plain water and sugary drinks – no sugar, but with a cool, refreshing splash of flavor. 

Choose what fruits you like (a conservative choice is strawberry, lime and cucumber), put them in a jar, and lightly mix them up using a wooden spoon. Fill the jar with water (or seltzer water for a bit of fizz). 

Add a bit of agave if you’d like it a bit sweet then refrigerate.

 

  • Gatorade

Need we say more?

What to Eat Mid Run

  • Fruits

Fruits are your best bet for mid-run snacks: they’re easy to prepare, high in sugar to inject energy to finish your run. 

Go for fruits higher in simple sugars and carbs like dates and bananas. With 30g of carbs a banana is just as effective as a carbohydrate drink when talking about performance and blood sugar. Grapes are high in sugar as well as Vitamin C that’s helpful in reducing the damage exercise does to the cells. 

You might want to consider munching on raisins  next time – they’re very high in calories. Dried cherries are good post-run because thy reduce leg muscle sores an 

Pack these fruits in Ziplock bags for your post-run pick-me-up.

 

  • Candy

Lots of sugar and no fat and fiber is the criteria for a post-run snack.  Gummy  bears tick off all the boxes,  but marshmallows are better because its package makes for easy packing.

 

  • Pretzels

A plain, white bread pretzel with no peanut butter is good. It’s rick in simple sugars that ease the ache in your calves. 

 

We hope these tips on what to eat and drink help you prepare for your next marathon and keep you hydrated as well as energized!

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benefits-of-chiropractic-care

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

The foremost benefit of chiropractic care is pain relief. Pain relief is just at the top of the iceberg when talking about the benefits of chiropractic care. In truth there is more to it than just that!

Here you’ll discover how the holistic approach of chiropractic medicine benefits you:

A Huge Benefit of Chiropractic Care is No Medication for Treatment

Chiropractic medicine believes that the body is a system that, when properly aligned, is capable of healing itself, thus it is administered without the help of medications.

Taking medicine will treat illness and relieve you from pain, but you will have to deal will the side effects afterwards. Your chiropractor will create a treatment plan for after your initial adjustment that will be holistic, like recommendations to your diet or fixing your posture.

Solves the root of your pain

The spirit of chiropractic care is to find the root cause. Just imagine a terrible toothache. Pain killers will subdue the dull ache, but it persists. However, pull the tooth, and poof, toothache gone – that is what chiropractic care aims to achieve. Our doctors to narrow down the exact problem you’re dealing with.

Illnesses and body pains are the culmination of a lot of minute things going wrong in your body. A one-time treatment is not enough to treat the root cause. Your chiropractor will put you through a series of treatments that will, step-by-step, eliminate the pain, solves the root cause, until your spine is aligned well enough to be able to heal itself.

Low-risk treatment

Chiropractors neither perform surgery nor prescribe medication and chiropractic care is by way of adjustments, a manual form of therapy that applies a controlled thrust into the spine. The most side effect that a patient could experience after an adjustment is a bit of soreness,

Complements with other pain relief treatments

Chiropractic care is just one of the many pain relief options that are available to you. What makes it the better option, however, it because of its no-medicine treatment to complement your medical treatment.

However, before you undergo chiropractic treatment be sure to ask your primary care physician’s advice if it will be beneficial for you. While chiropractic treatment is generally safe, your condition may restrictions on the type of care you can receive.

Personalized treatments

No two people are alike, and chiropractic care understands that well and comprises a big part of the treatment process. You will undergo a standard diagnostic exam which consists of a physical exam, chiropractic exam, and if necessary, x-ray scans. After your chiropractor has finished your assessment, they explain your condition, talk you through your treatment plan and how exactly it will help you. This treatment plan is built around your diagnosis and treatment complemented with nutrition and massage.

Contact us today to set up an appointment to see the benefits of chiropractic care for yourself!

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neck-adjustments

Are Chiropractic Neck Adjustments Safe

Are Chiropractic Neck Adjustments Safe

Chiropractic therapy is beneficial to those suffering from chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, etc. Neck adjustments are completely safe. In fact it’s safer than other treatment options, and here we’ll tell you why.

There is Always a Risk Attached to Every Medical Procedure

A study compared the risk of developing stroke after undergoing medical treatments (NSAIDs, narcotic medications, and spinal surgery for pain relief. Per 1 million people, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) cause 153 stroke deaths, narcotic medications cause 53 deaths, and spinal surgery of the neck cause 500 stroke deaths.

On the other hand, neck manipulation, or neck adjustments, are only associated with 1 death per 1 million people. When talking about malpractice insurance a chiropractor pays only a little more than 1/10 of the amount an anesthesiologist does.

Studies on Neck Adjustments

A different study focused on the link between cervical manipulation and damage to the carotid artery which can cause stroke. Buried deep in to the neck, the carotid artery is a point of concern during a neck manipulation. Thee belief is that they can be stretched to the point of damage. The conclusion was that the force applied during a manipulation is not greater compared to that of daily activities. This is enough to rule out the common misconception that chiropractic neck adjustments are dangerous.

The possibility of getting injured due to neck manipulations are statistically minute, you could still experience side effects. But at the cost of mild dizziness which dissipates quickly is reduced pain and inflammation

Chiropractors Are Educated And Trained

Examining the mechanics of a neck manipulation, you will notice that it is a high velocity force applied at low amplitude performed by the hands of a professional whose 4 years of chiropractic school focused on perfecting this skill.

Chiropractors have a very precise knowledge of your spine. When they say they’re going to “rotate your 6th vertebra 4 degrees to the right,” they can do just that. Chiropractors are the only health care specialist whose specialization is the spine. They know their way around the musculoskeletal system. They are aware of the interaction between the muscles, bones, joints and ligaments. Chiropractors use a delicate touch that must be used when dealing with spinal nerves.

Facts can only give you so much assurance about the safety of neck adjustments because it’s up to you whether you believe them or not. But do note that at Corrective Chiropractic, we only apply neck adjustments when truly necessary.

It’s part of our beliefs that patients have a voice in the care they receive and educating them on the procedures so they know exactly how the procedures will benefit them. However, if you’re still in doubt about going through with a neck adjustment, our doctors will discuss your options and modify your treatment plan as needed.

 

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walking

Is Walking A Better Workout Than Running?

Is Walking A Better Workout Than Running?

Running and walking are the two purest forms of exercise there is.  You see yourself sweating much more during running than walking for a workout. That’s got to be the one that’s most beneficial to you, but what do scientists say? 

Here’s how running versus walking stack up against each other, and find out if running is better than walking. 

Greater weight loss: Running

When just thinking about it, it’s obvious that running expends more energy and thus greater weight loss, right? 

Yes, researchers say, because according to a study conducted by sports scientists which studied the energy expenditure between walking and running which found out that yes, running consumes more energy. To further illustrate the difference, a 160-pound person burns 800 calories per hour running at 8 mph, but a walker  burns only 300 calories walking at 3.5 mph. 

A different study focused on the difference in BMI between walkers and runners supports this claim. They concluded that runners significantly lost more weight than walkers. While the runners started at lower weights than walkers, they had a better chance of keeping their BMI and waist circumference stable. 

Maybe it’s time to upgrade your evening stroll to a fulltime jog?

Regulating appetite: Running

After a pounding pavement, you would think that runners would stuff themselves as a reward after a run. 

Scientists say it’s actually otherwise. 

In a study conducted post running and walking, the participants dined in a buffet to check the difference in appetite between runners and walkers. 

As it turns out, the runners ate 200 calories less than what they burned running. Walkers on the other hand, consumed 50 calories more than they burned. 

They believe it’s because of the YY peptide, but concede that the difference between the two was down to how walking and running changed the appetite-regulating hormones. 

They’re quite the same

While running may be better for weight loss, it turns out that doing either of the two is just as good for your health for a workout. 

When studying the difference in health benefits of walking versus running, results show that they produced similar risk reductions for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus when expending the same amount of energy. 

Walk or run?

So do you choose to walk or run? You have to consider that while everyone can power walk, not everyone can run.

If you’re older than 50 or have a history of knee injuries running might not be the best choice for you. Regardless of age or medical history, running can pose several risks. 

A hamstring injury where the muscles on the back on the back of your leg is stretched too far and is torn. Shin splints is also pretty common, with 20% of runners afflicted by it, and the most common being runner’s knee, which are both overuse disorders meaning they are caused by repetitive stress. 

The way to avoid these injuries is proper warm-up and gradually increasing intensity. 

Conclusion

Walking and running are the cardio exercises that anyone can do, unhampered by equipment or training. Looking at the facts, running has additional value over walking, but at the heart of it all they’re both good for you. 

But why ponder so much over to run or walk, when you can run, then walk then run again? 

You just have to get out there and do it.

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Can You Get Adjusted When You Are Pregnant?

Can You Get Adjusted When You Are Pregnant?

You can get adjusted when you are pregnant, but the focus of the appointment will be completely different from what you would normally do. You should talk to your chiropractor about how your appointment will go. Ask the chiropractor if they can help you with certain aches and pains that you experience every day. Look at what can be done once you have your first appointment.



How Many Aches And Pains Are You Feeling?

The aches and pains that you are feeling every day could include joint pain, pressure on your pubic bone, and back pain. The chiropractor can adjust you based on where you feel pain. They will be much more careful with you because you are pregnant. It is very simple for you to adjust for these aches and pains. You could ask the chiropractor to adjust you differently at each session.

Can You Be Adjusted For Delivery?

You can be adjusted for delivery. Talk to your chiropractor about how you can open up your hips and improve your delivery experience. Of course, the chiropractor will not be in the delivery room, but the chiropractor can help you get ready.

Natural Medicine

Many different people will need natural medicine to take care of themselves and their families. It is very easy for you to invest some time in natural medicine when you are in the chiropractor’s office. Use these natural remedies with the adjustments that you get. Natural medicine is the safest way for you to care for yourself when you are pregnant. Remember that your body can recover faster after you deliver.

You Cannot Take As Many Appointments

You must be careful at your chiropractic appointments because you do not want to decrease blood flow in your body. When you are pregnant, there are some adjustments that your chiropractor will not do because they do not want to release any blood clots that you might have in your legs. You also need to be careful with adjustments of your neck because you do not want to be injured just before you deliver. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to ask the chiropractor what is safe when you go to each appointment. Yes, you need to be honest about your pain and suffering, but you also do not want to injure yourself or induce labor accidentally.



Conclusion

Contact your chiropractor when you are ready to go in for your first adjustment. Let the chiropractor know that you want to get adjusted even though you are pregnant and ask the chiropractor if they can handle certain aches and pains. It is easy for you to prepare for your delivery to protect your body, and even to protect your baby. You will feel much better because you do not have all the pain that is brought on by pregnancy, and you can even prepare for labor with help from your chiropractor. Check out our YouTube video to see a video testimonial about getting adjusted while pregnant.

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Why Working Out At Night Is 100 Times Better

Why Working Out At Night Is 100 Times Better

In the pursuit of healthy living we’ve fallen into thinking that working out is the best way to start the day. Newsflash: Morning workouts are not for everyone.  Do you know anyone who’s never hit snooze on their morning exercise alarm? Those who are working out at night!  If you’re the type who takes their time waking up, and thereby missing the precious time for gym before work, why not consider going in the evenings?

Here are the reasons why an evening gym session can be the workout that sticks for you:

When Working Out At Night You Have the Place to Yourself

Some do manage to fight the morning blues to stick to a morning exercise routine. They’re the early worms who gets dibs on the choice of treadmill, weights and equipment that it almost feels like you’re encroaching on their territory. At night though, they’re not peering over your shoulder or judging you for using the bench press for so long. And as you’ve got free rein on the place, you have more leeway with the rules. Your fellow night owls are a small bunch that you can get away with using the cardio machines for more than half an hour. 

Now you can actually use the 15 separate equipment that’s needed in the circuit workout you’ve been wanting to try!

It’s the perfect way to destress

What’s a better motivation to jump on a treadmill to let out the frustrations of a long day at work? Turn negative emotions from an overbearing boss, a slacking co-worker or the ungodly traffic into a beneficial destress session by sweating it out in the evenings. Unlike going out for a drink, it’s free from hangovers or bad decisions. 

The Mayo Clinic says that working out when you’re stressed pumps up your endorphins – the “feel good neurotransmitters” – that a few rounds of racquetball or laps in the pool will immediately make you feel better, the day’s irritations forgotten because you’re focused on getting your body to move.  After an evening exercise session, you’re feeling calmer, think clearer and mentally setup for a good night’s night sleep.

Wake up to calmer mornings

Succumbing to your morning alarm’s incessant wake up call at the last minute so you can squeeze in some gym time before work will leave you starting the day frazzled.  Starting your day in such a hectic manner will truly take out the motivation you have to stick to your morning exercise. When you’re leading a stressful lifestyle, don’t you think you deserve at least a proper breakfast? With your mornings fully devoted to get you ready for work, you don’t look like you’ve been struck by a hurricane when you arrive at the office – a thing you won’t miss from the gym’s low power hair dryer. Maybe this time you can finally use the sauna without having to share an awkward conversation with strangers.

Get 100% attention from your trainer

The gym at night is much more relaxed that it is in the mornings, with less people around your trainer can spend more time coaching your form or answer your questions. Your fellow night owls will be friendlier in the evenings because they’re aren’t too trying to be late for the office. And besides, with less people around it’s easier to strike up a conversation. 

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mental-health

6 Unexpected Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

6 Unexpected Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Who said that working out is only good for your body? You better believe it’s not the case when scientists say that working out is good for your mind as it is for your body. They’ve found a link between improved physical fitness and good mental health, proving that “Look good and feel good” is more than just a catchphrase.

Boost endorphins

While you’re working up a sweat on the treadmill, you’re also releasing endorphins, which create the feelings of happiness and euphoria, which is good for your mental health! People suffering from depression or anxiety are prescribed by their doctors to hit the gym frequently because studies have shown that exercise can alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed. As little as 30 minutes spent exercising a few times a week can get rid of the blues. In another research, it was found out that exercise is just as effective as antidepressant pills in treating depression.

Improve self-esteem

Knowing that you’re sticking to your gym schedule is enough to feel better about yourself. You’re working towards your goal – staying fit, losing weight, bulking up – can boost self-confidence and self-image. This extends beyond the gym and into your mental health. When you’re feeling good about yourself, you can be a positive ray of sunshine for people you interact with. 

Helps control addiction

Along with dopamine, the brain also releases dopamine, the “pleasure” chemical that’s released due to pleasure from high addictive stuff like drugs, exercise, sex, alcohol or food. Because dopamine is also released during exercise, studies have tried to find a way for addicts to derive pleasure from this instead of alcohol or drugs. And it works, at least in the short team. Short bursts of exercise distracted drug and alcohol addicts and curbed their cravings. And because alcohol disrupts the sleeping patterns,  alcoholics resort to drinking to sleep. Exercise reboots the body clock so it instinctively knows when it’s time to hit the hay. 

Slows down cognitive degradation

As we get older, diseases like Alzheimer’s kills off brain cells that perform vital brain functions. Such is the way of life. However, frequent exercise and a healthy diet can slow down the decline that happens after your 45th birthday. Working out between 25-45 is crucial because it boosts the hormones that prevent the degradation of hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory and function.

Stress relief

After a bad day at the office, the best way to let off some steam is by hitting the gym. Getting yourself to work up a sweat increases the presence of norepinephrine, the brain’s natural response to stress. Plus, unlike eating out or a round of drinks, working out won’t cost you much or give you a hangover the next day. How’s that for benefiting your mental health? 

Be more productive

How has a walk around the block solved the question that stumped you at work? Exercise gets your brain juices flowing because of a simple reason: when you’re working out you’re pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, especially to your brain. And that’s not just it. 

According to research, people who take the time to exercise regularly are more productive and energetic than those who don’t. If you find it hard to squeeze in gym time before leaving for work, doing it in the evenings might be better for you.

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