Learn the difference between Cognitive Priming and Brain Endurance Training (BET). Both use cognitive load but serve completely different purposes.
Cognitive Priming
Purpose:
Activate the brain before training or competition.
What it does:
Boosts attention, reaction time, and readiness
Increases arousal and engagement
Sharpens focus after travel or low-energy sessions
What it doesn’t do:
Build fatigue resistance or long-term adaptation
How to use it:
When: Pre-training or Game Day
Structure: 4 tasks × 3 minutes (12 minutes total) between warm-up sets
Key takeaway:
Priming is activation, not development. It switches the brain on fast.
Brain Endurance Training (BET)
Purpose:
Build mental and physical resilience by training the brain to perform under fatigue.
What it does:
Strengthens mental endurance
Improves focus and decision-making under stress
Enhances physical performance during fatigue
What it targets:
Prefrontal and cingulate circuits that regulate effort, attention, and persistence.
How to use it:
Frequency: 2–3 sessions per week
Duration: 20–60 minutes
Placement: Pre, intermixed, concurrent, or post-training
Key takeaway:
BET is not activation. It’s adaptation — designed to create lasting neurological change.
Final Comparison
Priming = Activation: short, sharp, immediate effect
BET = Adaptation: sustained, progressive, measurable change