08/02/2026
Physical activity does more than strengthen muscles—it actively supports brain health.
When you move your body, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients that help brain cells function more efficiently. This improved circulation supports attention, memory, and mental clarity both short and long term.
Regular exercise stimulates neurogenesis, which is the creation of new brain cells, particularly in an area of the brain involved in learning and memory. While we once thought adults couldn’t grow new brain cells, we now know movement plays a key role in keeping the brain adaptable.
This process happens because of increased production and release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)—often described as “fertiliser for the brain.” BDNF helps brain cells grow, strengthens connections between neurons, and supports learning and emotional regulation. Higher BDNF levels are linked with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Importantly, these benefits occur across the lifespan. You don’t need intense workouts—regular walking, cycling, or resistance training can all support long-term brain health, not just physical fitness.
If you want to read more on how exercise heals, supports and grows your brain, I recommend you read one of my favourite books, called ‘Spark’. About 10 years ago, I gifted this book to one of my own high school PE teachers, Thierry Vandekerckhove from VILO. This sparked (no pun intended) to meet up and go for a meal in Antwerp,in Jardin Public, were my awesome late brother was the chef at the time.
If you want more information, check out the 3 hour seminar called ‘Improving Athletic Performance through Functional Neurology’. You can find this on the website of Tom’s post-graduate educational website www.brain-neuroplasticity.com under ‘Online Learning’. Scroll down to the ‘Masters Series’ series, seminar 205.
Ref:
Ratey, J.J. and Hagerman, E., Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Little, Brown Spark, New York, 2008.
Wang, Y.H., et al., ‘The effect of physical exercise on circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a systematic review and
