Denton County Living Well Magazine November/December 2016 | Page 49

In regards to more on the mind, Casteel describes bicycling
as freedom.
“I commute to work 20 miles,” Casteel says. “I would leave
work stressed and on the ride home at some point your
brain just clicks and that goes away. It’s serene and relaxed, and it’s gotten your mind off work.”
Not only does Casteel enjoy the stress relief, he and other
cyclists gain many mental benefits as well. A study from
Illinois University found that with a small 5% increase in
cardio-respiratory fitness, as a result of cycling, showed up
to 15% growth on mental tasks. By increasing the blood
flow to the brain, this also decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s
disease.
Physics Meets Physical on the Open Water
For more than half a century, Gene Soltero has been burning calories and training his brain through sailing.

“So the sailor not only has to think about the physics of
making his boat go faster, he has to simultaneously analyze
and respond to changes in wind speed, wind direction,
and current, while also considering tactics under the rules
to position himself favorably versus the other boats,” Soltero says. And it’s the natural application of science and
math skills that have proven to help improve concentration,
increase agility, and develop stronger spatial awareness.
Soltero explains that sailing requires athleticism.
“Imaging hooking you ankles under a strap for balance,
hanging your butt over the edge of the side of the boat,
leaning horizontally and keeping that position for periods
of 5-10 minutes at a time,” he describes. “The whole time
you are sailing you are moving to keep the boat balanced.
If you are racing a large boat, the pulling of the sails in
and out each time you tack takes tremendous strength and
endurance.”

“We were able to compete because we understood the
physics of making a boat go fast,” Soltero notes.

In addition to training his mind and body, Soltero says sailing can also help with mental health. In fact, research has
shown spending time on open water can help to balance
the body’s serotonin levels, helping people to be happier
and less stressed

Mostly racing small sailboats on close courses in fleets of
10 to 80 boats, space can be slim.

If sailing is not your thing, give cycling or climbing a try, because who couldn’t use a better body and a stronger brain?

He began as a freshmen at a small engineering college on
the East Coast, competing against Ivy League teams.

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