By David Tepera, March 10, 2026

First of all, I would like to give credit to my client’s Ron and Kim Mlcak for today’s article. They shared a small study that reminded me to give readers another great benefit from weight training, which promotes brain function.

We see this every day in our gym from the elders who have been training with us over the years. They are mentally sharp, witty, independent, and experiencing life to the fullest. Isn’t that what we all want as we age?

I’m not going to indulge in all the physical benefits of weight training because you already know them. Those benefits come from action – not laziness.

So, how does the brain get protected, plus improve through weight training? Without giving you all the fancy science words, just know there are proteins and hormones that supports brain cell growth, protection, plus reduce inflammation.

Think about it, besides your trainer, who is telling your body to stress itself by picking up weights? Who is directing your body to grab objects to pull and push?

The brain is our central command center and needs to be challenged to strengthen. Yes, this can be succeeded through mind puzzles and games, but today’s message is the benefit from weight training. For all of us, there are no excuses for not exercising.  

How many of you have heard that we only use 10 percent of our brain? Just know, that is completely-false. There are four lobes of the brain that we need for daily function, and we use all of them.

There’s not a day without problem solving, motor movement, sound processing, and memory.

Do you ever have to think about where your hands are? Our hands are in constant motion for survival. They take care of us all day long without thinking about it.  

Alright, back to weight training for the brain. I’ve had the privilege of working with multiple clients with different levels of dementia. Besides all the studies, I’ve witnessed it first hand the mental benefits. Proper weight training will slow brain degeneration, along with the progression of dementia symptoms.

Really, it comes down to blood flow improvement to the brain. Come on, don’t throw in the towel. Make the golden years as best as possible. Take two days out of the week, and start lifting weights. Your brain will appreciate it.