WATCH: How can exercise help you ace a test?

When it comes to diet and exercise- for the purpose of dropping pounds, studies support experts who say the focus should be less on what you do in the gym, and more on what you don't put in your mouth. While it can be discouraging to hear that American's obesity rates have risen along our activity levels, experts also stress over and over that you should absolutely exercise. Because there's so much more that it can do for your body and your brain.

 In 2015, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges put out a report calling exercise a “miracle cure.” It benefits everyone from people with rheumatoid arthritis to those who have had heart attacks. It helps with diabetes, Parkinson's, and depression.

A new study shows it even helps with test taking. Volunteers who memorized information, took a 4 hour break, and then did 35 minutes on a stationary bike performed better on a test than those who didn't exercise at all- AND those who got on the bike immediately after studying.

Previous studies have linked molecules released in the brain during exercise with aiding in the formation of long-term memories.

More research is needed, but for now: look at the clock. In four hours, hit the gym- so you'll remember all the wonderful things exercise will do for you.

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