When it comes to keeping your mind sharp, physical exercise is just as important as mental exercise. While working out at the gym or going for a run can do wonders for your health, certain sports can actually improve your memory skills.

Whether you’re looking to boost your brainpower or simply enjoy some physical activity, here are ten sports that can enhance your memory.

1. Tennis

Tennis is a game that requires a lot of focus and concentration. Players need to keep track of the score, follow the ball’s trajectory, and anticipate their opponent’s moves.

This constant mental stimulation can help improve your working memory, which is the part of the brain that helps you retain and use information in the short-term. Additionally, tennis is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood, which can also contribute to better cognitive function.

2. Dance

Dancing is a fun and social activity that can also help boost your memory. Learning new dance steps requires a lot of mental effort, as you need to remember the sequence of moves and coordinate them with the music.

Studies suggest that dancing can help improve both episodic and procedural memory, which are the types of memory that are responsible for remembering events and skills, respectively.

3. Golf

Golf is a sport that requires a lot of strategy and planning. Players need to consider the terrain, the wind, and their own strengths and weaknesses when deciding how to approach each shot.

This mental exercise can help improve your executive functioning, which is the ability to plan, organize, and manage your thoughts and actions. Additionally, the social aspect of golf can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

4. Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced stress. Studies suggest that swimming can also help improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

One study found that swimming can improve working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attention in seniors with mild cognitive impairment.

5. Basketball

Basketball is a fast-paced, high-energy sport that requires a lot of agility, coordination, and teamwork. Playing basketball can help improve your reaction time, which is crucial for quick decision-making and reflexes.

Additionally, basketball can help improve your spatial awareness, which is the ability to understand and navigate three-dimensional space.

6. Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical exercise with meditation and mindfulness. Practicing yoga can help reduce stress and improve mood, which can in turn improve cognitive function.

Additionally, yoga can help improve your working memory and executive function, as well as your cognitive flexibility.

7. Martial Arts

Martial arts such as karate, judo, and taekwondo can provide a range of benefits for both physical and mental health.

Practicing martial arts can help improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as your self-confidence and emotional regulation. Additionally, martial arts can help improve your working memory and attention, which are crucial for staying focused and alert during competitions and in everyday life.

8. Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a sport that requires a lot of teamwork and communication.

Players need to coordinate their movements, anticipate their opponents’ actions, and communicate with their teammates in order to score goals and win games. This mental stimulation can help improve your cognitive function, particularly your working memory and attention.

9. Cycling

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced stress. Studies suggest that cycling can also help improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

One study found that cycling can improve executive function, which is the ability to plan, organize, and manage your thoughts and actions, in seniors with mild cognitive impairment.

10. Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun and social sport that can improve both your physical and mental health. Playing volleyball requires a lot of spatial awareness, as players need to position themselves correctly in order to hit the ball.

Additionally, volleyball requires a lot of teamwork and communication, which can help improve your cognitive function, particularly your working memory and attention.