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

The Best Exercise for Brain Health

20 Feb 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:53

In this brief YouTube monologue, neurologist David Perlmutter answers the question of which type of exercise is optimal for brain health. He explains that the best approach combines both resistance training and aerobic activity. Resistance exercise builds muscle, and muscle tissue releases myokines—chemical signals that benefit the brain. Aerobic exercise enhances cerebral blood flow, reduces inflammation, and improves cardiovascular function. Together, these modalities promote a resilient brain and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Chapters

Heading to the gym. Question is, which exercise should I be doing that's best for my brain? Is it aerobics? Is it resistance? What do I need to do after all we've said and done and talked about? What should I be doing that's best for my brain? It turns out the answer is both. You need to be doing a lot of resistance exercise to build muscle. Muscle is key for brain health. Who knew? It's not just about muscles for strength. Muscles create chemicals called myokines That are good for the brain. And obviously you want to be involved in aerobics as well. Why? Because you want to improve blood supply to your brain and you want to reduce inflammation, you want to improve your cardiovascular function. All of those things dramatically relate to really paving the way for, for better brain health and a brain that is resilient and a brain that is much less likely to succumb to a neurodegenerative condition.