Does Weightlifting Help The Brain? A Surgeon Weighs In

This synergy between mind and body is crucial, especially as we age.

For many, hitting the gym is all about aesthetics—defined abs, toned arms, and that ever-elusive beach body. But for consultant aesthetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Ghanem, the real value of muscle goes far deeper than appearance. In an insightful interview with Qonversations, Dr. Ghanem shared a transformative perspective on why muscle may be the most underrated organ in the pursuit of longevity.

“I’ve never been a great fan of weight lifting,” Dr. Ghanem admitted. His athletic background included football, horse riding, and even running three marathons. But the gym? “I was somehow put off by some of the obsessed people injecting steroids and chasing image,” he said.

That all changed when he dove into the science of longevity and preventative medicine.

“Muscles are our longevity organs,” the surgeon stated. Far from being just motors for movement, muscles play a central role in maintaining our metabolic health. “They are the best place to metabolize glucose,” Ghanem explained. More muscle mass means better insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Muscles are rich reservoirs of mesenchymal stem cells. Every time we experience micro-tears through resistance training, these stem cells are activated, promoting regeneration and cellular health. In other words, working out quite literally helps the body renew itself.

There’s also a powerful neurological component. “When you’re lifting weights, you’re not just training your body,” he said. “You’re fully engaging your nervous system.” Unlike the isolated brain effort of a Sudoku puzzle or a game of chess, strength training demands full-body coordination, motivation, emotional regulation, and pain tolerance—all of which stimulate and challenge the brain.

This synergy between mind and body is crucial, especially as we age. “Use it or lose it,” Ghanem reminded, referencing the well-worn adage. Engaging the musculoskeletal system doesn’t just preserve mobility—it actively sharpens the brain.

And perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway: longevity isn’t just about eating kale and counting steps. It’s about building—and keeping—your strength. Not for looks, but for life.