The Science of Cognitive Fitness

Train your brain like you train your body.

What is Cognitive Fitness?

From a scientific lens, cognitive fitness is the brain’s ability to stay sharp, flexible, and emotionally balanced—especially under pressure. It draws on executive functions, which include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control.

Research by Adele Diamond (2013) in Annual Review of Psychology emphasizes that these functions are trainable and essential for mental health and success in life.

Meanwhile, Voss et al. (2011) found that physical activity enhances brain plasticity, improving attention, memory, and emotional regulation—key aspects of cognitive fitness.

What improves cognitive fitness?

• Movement (especially complex or coordinated forms like martial arts)

• Mindfulness & meditation

• Challenging cognitive tasks

• Emotional self-regulation

Cognitive fitness is like cross-training for your mind. It’s not just about being smart—it’s about being mentally agile, resilient, and aware.

That’s why at Mindful Talks, we created The Cognitive Fitness Club with workshops blending science, movement & mindset to train your brain and body.

Join our first workshop:

https://www.mindfultalks.nl/event-details/martial-arts-for-mental-strenght-workshop

References:

• Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750

• Voss, M. W., et al. (2011). Exercise, brain, and cognition across the life span. Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(5), 1505–1513. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00210.2011