The physical benefits of regular exercise are well documented. Everyone knows that they should be doing several hours a week to keep their body in peak condition; however, jogging, walking and using an indoor rowing machine can also have numerous benefits for people's mental wellbeing.

Several pieces of research released in recent months have highlighted the link between regular exercise and improved cognitive function, with the first showing that physical exercise can help people rebuild parts of the brain that are lost during the ageing process, which could persuade more older individuals to take up sports such as indoor rowing.

The study, which was conducted at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology in Freiburg, challenges previous beliefs that once brain cells die off they are not replaced and scientists believe that the discovery may lead to new ways to tackling age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

During the study, it was noted that physical activity "kick started" brain cells which had previously been dormant and researchers also found that physically active mice developed more newborn hippocampal neurons than inactive animals.

Another piece of research, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh in the US, highlighted that aerobic-like exercises have been linked to faster cognitive functions in monkeys.

Over the course of the study, the research team divided monkeys into two groups, with one leading a sedentary lifestyle and the others being encouraged to exercise. Both groups were then set a series of cognitive tests to do.

It was found that the monkeys who took part in regular exercise were quicker learners than the other group, with some being able to do the tasks twice as quickly as the creatures that had lived a sedentary lifestyle.

They were also more engaged and made more attempts to get rewards compared to the other group, although they did make more frequent mistakes.

"We found that monkeys who exercised regularly at an intensity that would improve fitness in middle-aged people learned to do tests of cognitive function faster and had greater blood volume in the brain's motor cortex than their sedentary counterparts," lead author Dr Judy L Cameron said. "This suggests people who exercise are getting similar benefits."

"These findings indicate that aerobic exercise at the recommended levels can have meaningful, beneficial effects on the brain," she added. "It supports the notion that working out is good for people in many, many ways."*

These studies highlight the importance of getting a dose of physical exercise two or three times a week, and a great way to achieve this is to use an indoor rowing machine.

Using an indoor rowing machine is an ideal form of exercise for people of any age as it is weight-supporting and non-jarring. It also provides a great aerobic workout and exercises every major muscle group in the body, ensuring that people keep in peak physical condition as well as remaining mentally alert.

Most gyms have indoor rowing machines people can use and there is also the option that people can buy one for their own home, meaning they can fit their regular bouts of exercise in when it is most convenient for them.