Enhancing Brain Function and Memory Through Fitness
Mike Collette • April 5, 2023
At Prototype Training Systems, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve optimal physical and mental health. Our CrossFit and personal training facility in Westborough, MA, offers a variety of fitness programs designed to not only improve your physical strength but also enhance your brain function and memory. In this blog post, we will discuss the science behind the connection between fitness and cognitive performance, and how our unique approach to training at Prototype Training Systems can help you unlock your brain’s full potential.
Enhancing Brain Function and Memory Through Fitness at Prototype Training Systems
In recent years, scientific research has demonstrated the powerful impact of exercise on brain function and memory. One of the key components of this process is the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) , which plays a vital role in the health and growth of neurons and impacts memory and learning.
- BDNF and neuroplasticity: Engaging in regular exercise at our Westborough gym, such as CrossFit or personalized training sessions, can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This essential protein promotes neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt, change, and reorganize neural pathways in response to new experiences and learning.
- Improved cognitive function: Our functional training and high-intensity workouts can lead to enhanced cognitive function, including better attention, working memory, and processing speed. By increasing BDNF levels and promoting neuroplasticity, physical activity at Prototype Training Systems helps to maintain and improve the brain’s ability to process information and adapt to new challenges.
- Memory enhancement: Studies have shown that regular exercise at our CrossFit and personal training facility can lead to improved memory retention and recall. This is due, in part, to increased production of BDNF and its role in promoting the growth of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus – a region of the brain crucial for learning and memory.
- Protection against cognitive decline: Engaging in regular physical activity at Prototype Training Systems can help protect the brain against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By boosting BDNF levels and promoting neuroplasticity, exercise can strengthen the brain’s resilience and help maintain cognitive function as we age. It’s been found that DECREASED levels of BDNF are associated with neurodegenerative diseases with neuronal loss, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. Thus, BDNF may be useful in the prevention and management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus.
Incorporating Brain-Boosting Fitness Strategies at Prototype Training Systems:
- Combine aerobic and resistance training: Our diverse range of fitness programs, including CrossFit and personal training, incorporates both aerobic activities and resistance training to optimize BDNF production and promote neuroplasticity. This study shows how implementing a 3 month CrossFit training program that “the resting BDNF level increased significantly in all subjects”. You can read that study here.
- Prioritize consistency: Our flexible class schedule and personalized training options make it easy to engage in regular exercise, which is key to maintaining and enhancing brain function. If you don’t currently exercise, we recommend starting with small changes, 1-2x a week for 30-45 minutes. Ideally, ramping up to 3-5x per week at an hour of a combination of strength training and aerobic conditioning is optimal.
- Incorporate mindfulness: There are many mindfulness practices such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation. All of these can and should be integrated into your fitness routine in some capacity. While working out at Prototype Training Systems, you can combine physical activity with mindfulness and focused attention, further supporting cognitive function and neuroplasticity.
By understanding the role of BDNF and neuroplasticity in brain function and memory, we can appreciate the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into our daily lives. At Prototype Training Systems, our expert coaches, engaging programs, and supportive community in Westborough, MA, are here to help you achieve both your physical and mental fitness goals. Join us today to experience the brain-boosting benefits of fitness firsthand.
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Previous Blogs
1.) Share your experience at Prototype It’s hard to believe that I have been part of the Prototype family for almost a year!! I remember looking at a photo of myself last Mother’s Day & couldn’t believe that in a relatively short time, I had gained so much weight. Being a Mom of 3, & working full time had taken priority over exercising & working out. My daughter Caroline wanted to check things out at Prototype for soccer strength training, as my son Jack has had a positive experience since he joined in 2020. When Caroline & I came in for an initial meeting with Steve, I knew I had to prioritize myself & start my own fitness journey. I quickly realized that I couldn’t do my best for others if I didn’t start with bettering myself first. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? Initially I needed accountability to to get myself here. I worked out because I didn’t want to let anyone down. I had a planned workout & I needed to show up. Then, I started to see a shift in my body- I was building muscle, sleeping better, losing weight & feeling better about myself. The hard work was starting to paying off!!! I also love working out with my kids- Jack & Caroline. Emily is coming soon & then hoping to get the Mr in! 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? I love spending time watching my kids play sports. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? I recently started a new position at work which requires me to present to larger groups. I feel so much more confident. I am surrounded by really smart people here- they motivate me professionally & physically. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? Fitness & strength training is a journey. I have formed strong, consistent habits that I am now able to maintain on my own. It doesn’t end with me fitting into a smaller pant size (which I am so happy to say I am!!) it evolves. I watch my 83 year old Father thrive because he lives by moving his body & exercises his mind. That’s my goal & PTS helps me everyday with that!!
How we are using Ai at Prototype and how its just beginning
Yesterday was a great reminder of what a little friendly competition can do. We set up a simple 1-v-1 game: kids had to sprint, tap two cones, and race back to knock over a foam roller. Nothing fancy, just movement, focus, and a clear goal. But something cool happened. The second it became head-to-head, the energy shifted. Kids were locked in. They ran harder. They pushed themselves—not because they were told to, but because someone else was giving it their all too. Even the kids watching got invested—shouting encouragement, clapping for effort, reacting to every close finish. That sense of shared experience, of community rooted in challenge, is exactly what youth development should be about. It was a perfect example of how competition, even in its simplest form, can bring out motivation and effort . Not for a prize, but just for the challenge of it. More Than a Game: The Real Value of Friendly Competition In today’s world of participation medals and well-meaning “everyone wins” culture, it’s easy to misunderstand the role of competition. But when designed thoughtfully and guided with intention, competition doesn’t diminish self-worth—it enhances it. According to a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, structured competition can lead to higher intrinsic motivation, improved self-esteem, and a greater sense of personal accomplishment in youth participants (Bonfiglio et al., 2019). When kids compete, they learn that effort yields results. They learn how to win graciously—and perhaps more importantly—how to lose with resilience. They discover the value of hard work, discipline, and focus. They get to ask: “How fast can I be?” “How far can I push myself?” And, “What happens if I try just a little harder?” The Pride in Performance There’s a moment—right after a child finishes a race, or a round of a competitive game—where they catch their breath, stand a little taller, and smile. Whether they won or not is almost secondary. What matters is that they showed up and gave their best effort. That sense of pride? That’s not vanity. It’s the birth of confidence. And when that confidence is built through movement, through play, through sweating and trying and doing—it sticks. Not just in sport, but in school, at home, in friendships, and beyond. Final Thoughts Competition, when framed the right way, helps kids build confidence, stay motivated, and take pride in their effort. It’s not about winning — it’s about showing up, trying hard, and learning what they’re capable of. At its best, competition doesn’t separate kids — it brings them together, showing them how to push themselves while supporting each other along the way.
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