# The brain is like a muscle The more I think about it, the more I can draw a parallel between strength training and learning. Indeed, a multitude of concepts related to exercise seem to remain relevant for learning purposes. > To maximize learning efficiency, prefer short, focused, and active study sessions. - First, muscles grow when they are subjected to mechanical tension which causes them to tear; they then rebuild themselves stronger. - Likewise, neuron connections grow stronger and quicker when they are more solicited. - Studies suggest that training intensity matters more than training volume for strength gains.[^1] - Likewise, small sessions of intense focus (eg using the Pomodoro technique) are often more efficient than long and boring hours of listening to a lecture. - Resting time is crucially important: muscles take time to regrow, and without enough rest this process is impaired. - Likewise, most of the learning process happens either during sleep or when our brain is in default mode. - Although negative exercises are a good way to learn a movement, I have had more success with positive exercises focused on the concentric part. - Likewise, reading or listening don't equate to learning. While they are useful to get familiar with a given topic, learning truly happens during writing or problem-solving tasks. Being **active** is key. --- ## 📚 References ^466508 [^1]: Mangine, Gerald T et al. "The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men. _Physiological reports_ vol. 3,8 (2015): e12472. <https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.12472>