Imagine waking up one day and not being able to remember simple details, having trouble thinking clearly, or finding basic tasks increasingly difficult.
Now imagine that this scenario isn’t caused by an injury or illness, but by a seemingly harmless habit you’ve ignored for years—neglecting physical activity. As surprising as it sounds, the decisions you make about exercise today can affect how well your brain functions for years to come.
According to Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett, a neurologist, the most troubling trend she’s seeing is the widespread neglect of strength training, a behavior that could quietly wreak havoc on brain health over time.
Many of us understand the importance of staying physically active, but few of us are aware of the deep connection between muscle movement and brain health. Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett, a neurologist, warns that one of the most alarming habits she sees in her patients is neglecting physical activity, especially strength training, which has troubling effects on the brain. Let’s dive into her insights into this harmful behavior and its potential for permanent damage.
Muscle weakness: A hidden threat to brain health
Dr. Hatchett explains in a TikTok video that muscle weakness is more closely related to brain health than most people realize. Patients often report problems with mobility or physical weakness without realizing its impact on their cognitive well-being. He points out that skipping muscle movements reduces the brain’s access to nerve growth factor (NGF), an essential peptide that supports neurons and myelin—the building blocks of cognitive function.
A lifestyle of inactivity
Modern living with an emphasis on work and leisure activities such as binge-watching TV contributes significantly to inactivity. Many individuals in their 30s and 40s often forego regular exercise due to busyness, not realizing the long-term consequences for their brains. Dr. Hatchett points out that even minimal daily exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
How exercise boosts brain health
• Improved blood flow: Exercise, especially cardio and strength training, increases blood flow to the brain, which improves cognitive performance.
• New neural connections: Trying new physical activities, such as learning a sport or adopting a new exercise routine, stimulates the creation of new connections in the brain.
• Strengthening through repetition: By regularly practicing these activities, you strengthen these connections and promote physical and mental resilience.
Why strength training is important
As we age, muscle mass naturally declines, with a sharp decline occurring after the age of 50. Without consistent strength training, this muscle loss accelerates, affecting daily tasks such as carrying groceries or walking. Dr. Hatchett recommends integrating strength training into daily life to maintain mobility and cognitive health well into later years.
Taking charge of aging
Dr. Hatchett’s key message is that the decline of body and mind with age is not inevitable. Maintaining an active lifestyle, especially through strength training, serves as a proactive measure to ensure better health in the future. Just like saving for retirement, taking time to exercise today is an investment in a higher quality of life as you age.
Conclusion
The link between physical activity and brain health is profound, and Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett’s insights shed light on an often-overlooked truth: neglecting exercise, especially strength training, can have dire consequences for both our bodies and our minds. The modern tendency toward inactivity, whether due to busyness or sedentary habits, is not only a threat to physical fitness but also a risk to cognitive well-being.
The good news is that we have the power to change this trajectory. By incorporating regular exercise into our routines—especially strength training—we can preserve muscle mass, improve brain function, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. It’s a reminder that caring for our physical and mental health is a lifelong commitment, and our efforts today are an investment in a healthier, more vibrant future. Taking control of your health now ensures not only longevity but also a better quality of life for years to come.