David PerlmutterPresident,, Perlmutter Health Center · Board-Certified Neurologist | Functional Medicine Pioneer | #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author | International Speaker | Host of The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

Exercise Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Brain

10 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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In this short monologue, Dr. David Perlmutter explains that physical exercise is profoundly beneficial for the brain. He highlights that muscles function as endocrine glands, secreting a variety of chemicals that travel to the brain and promote neural health. This biological mechanism underlies the observed association between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. While many people exercise to build strength or improve appearance, Perlmutter emphasizes that every workout also serves as a brain‑boosting activity.

Chapters

Perhaps one of the most important things that you can realize about your brain, and that is that it greatly benefits from physical exercise. It turns out your muscles are endocrine glands, and they secrete a variety of chemicals that absolutely make their way to the brain and do good things. It explains the association of physical activity with reduced risk for things like Alzheimer's disease. So when you're in the gym thinking you're building your muscles because you want to be strong and look good, go for it, but keep in mind you're doing your brain a good thing as well.