Summer is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy easy going activities- like brisk walks, swimming, and the occasional beach day. Students feel so relieved and stress free now that they do not have to worry about homework, tests, and finals. Some may divulge into some leisurely reading, but most procrastinate until the last two weeks of summer to complete any required reading for future classes. Unfortunately, summer assignments may be the only thing sustaining students’ intelligence throughout the summer.

                Thanks to elaborate studies by Win Wenger, a pioneer with a Ph.D. in brain and mind development that is in charge of a contemporary study titled Project Renaissance and even maintains his own site called www.winwenger.com, there have been other proven methods- that people might enjoy partaking in- that can increase one’s intelligence. One of his most recent and prominent discoveries is the fact that underwater swimming can boost mental capacity when utilized sufficiently. Wenger exposed definite improvement in IQ after consistent practice with underwater swimming with IQ style tests and brain scans.

                Not only does swimming work out the whole body by improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility. It also improves the body’s use of oxygen and increases lung function without straining the heart. Underwater swimming builds up carbon dioxide in the bloodstream due to lack of breathing, which subsequently, expands the carotid arteries feeding circulation to the brain. By enlarging the carotid artery, more oxygenated blood dissipates deeper and into more areas of the brain. This process keeps more brain cells alive and functioning for longer durations. Ultimately, this extends one’s intelligence into more parts of the day, increasing mental capacity and cognitive functions. With this kind of provided knowledge, maybe more students will utilize underwater swimming for personal gain. “I will most definitely integrate swimming into my daily workout routine, now that I know of its excessive benefits!” exclaimed Ashley Escobar, age 23.

                This exercise improves the physical condition of one’s brain and refines intelligence. If carbon dioxide levels are frequently high over a span of several weeks, the carotids do not return to their original size; they stretch to become naturally broader. This permanently supplies more oxygen to the brain, along with increased nutrition, food energy, and substantially greater levels of toxins washed away.

                To reap the most progressive results, Wenger recommends an hour per day for three weeks of underwater swimming. This allows one to permanently expand their carotids for refined circulation to the brain. Improved circulation to the brain means a healthier and more intelligent brain that will improve all areas of life and not just an individual’s intellectuality. One’s level of awareness and attention span will also boost.

                The findings are quite utilitarian, astonishing, and revolutionary. Senior Michael Rentas, said that swimming (especially underwater) is, “relaxing and fun.” Now, students will have a way to have fun and maintain their intelligence levels over summer. Plus, games like “underwater tag” and “spot-the-coin” can actually be recognized as academic benefits, rather than simply frivolous activities to kill time!