11 Ways Resistance Training Supercharges Your Brain Health and Cognitive Function

2. Memory: Cementing What Matters

Memory—both short-term and long-term—gets a boost from resistance training. Physical exertion increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support cognitive performance. Strength exercises also raise levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, improving memory consolidation and recall. Studies have shown that older adults who lift regularly demonstrate notable improvements in episodic memory. Working memory, the kind that helps you remember a phone number long enough to dial it, also benefits. Whether you’re prepping for an exam or just trying to stay sharp, lifting can help you retain and recall with greater ease.