The Wellness Center's Blog

Why Fitness Tends to Affect the Brain

By: Dexter Wellness Center Staff

February 17, 2026, 10:00 am - Categories: Fitness Tips

Your brain is the control center of your body, so caring for it matters. It’s the organ responsible for how you think, move, feel, and behave, guiding everything from decision-making and memory to mood and focus. While exercise is often associated with physical strength or weight management, its benefits extend far beyond muscles and the heart. Learn about why fitness is one of the most powerful tools for protecting and enhancing your brain health.

Improve Brain Function with Movement

Physical activity helps keep your brain as sharp as you age. Mental and physical health are closely linked, and this balance is the key to living a longer life. Regular exercise is necessary because brain function plays a crucial role in helping your body move and exercise safely as you get older.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that regular exercise effectively promotes brain health. These types of exercises include both cardio and aerobic exercises. By doing these, dementia has decreased in some older adults who stay active. In children, exercise also helps with cognitive development.

Move to Ease Anxiety and Sleep Better

Imagine enjoying restful sleep and reducing anxiety. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, individuals without anxiety disorders who experience moderate anxiety often feel better with exercise. Individuals who work out are more likely to experience deeper sleep, along with the brain processing information more efficiently. Sleep is essential for concentration, as it recharges the brain. 

How Can You Support Your Brain?

The CDC suggests taking breaks to stay active while you are at work. Try walking laps around your office building every now and then to get some exercise. It’s fundamental for you to do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, as the CDC states. Our center offers classes, aerobics, and cardio equipment to help you improve your coordination. Taking a fitness class can help you maintain your gross motor skills and even improve your memory by remembering the instructor’s instructions.

Find Out if MyFitRx® is Right for You

If you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or need extra support, MyFitRx is here to help. We offer specialized pathways designed to meet your unique needs, including a Cognitive Health Pathway, which uses exercise to help support and improve mental capacity, self-esteem, mood, sleep, energy and stress levels.

Ultimately, supporting your brain does not require drastic changes, just consistent and intentional movement. By making fitness a routine part of your life, you are investing in your long-term brain health and wellness.

For more information, please call centernumber or visit the Member Services desk. 

References:
Centers for Disease Control. “Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health.” CDC. August 13, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/boost-brain-health.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2^nd Edition.” ODPHP. 2018. https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf