The Benefits of Super Slow Jogging

Just 10 minutes of extremely slow jogging may help improve both mood and brain function.

You don’t have to be a fast runner, or even much faster than a walker, to potentially give your brain a boost. New research suggests just a few minutes of very slow jogging could make a difference.

Researchers in Japan found that just 10 minutes of extremely slow jogging may help improve both mood and brain function. In a small study of 24 healthy adults, participants performed better on a cognitive test and reported feeling more upbeat after jogging compared with simply sitting. Researchers also saw increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in decision-making and complex thinking. While more research is needed, the findings suggest even a gentle jog could provide a quick mental pick-me-up…no sprinting required.