Final answer:
Moderate intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling for about 1 hour per day, has been shown to provide the best post-exercise improvements to executive functioning, enhancing cognitive abilities and brain health in the long term.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intensity of exercise that provides the best post-exercise improvements to executive functioning has been studied extensively. Moderate exercise, defined as activity during which a person can talk but not sing, such as brisk walking or cycling, is often recommended for cognitive benefits. Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise, even at moderate intensity for around 1 hour per day, can result in enhancements in executive functions like attention, inhibitory control, problem-solving, and decision-making, especially after the exercise session and over several months when the exercise is consistent. Moreover, the positive impact of exercise on the brain leads to increased neuron growth and improvements in memory and cognitive control, which are crucial for productivity and quality of life.