When Chris Hemsworth took on the challenge of boosting his brain power in Limitless: Live Better Now with Chris Hemsworth (National Geographic/Disney+), he put the spotlight on something scientists, psychologists, and educators have been saying for years: the brain can be trained. At LearningRx, we specialize in brain training that strengthens how you think, learn, and remember—no Hollywood cameras required.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode on brain power, along with answers to common questions about how LearningRx brain training makes training the brain practical for everyday people.

Q: Why is it important to train your brain?

We all know the value of physical activity for our health and longevity, but our cognitive strength is just as important. If we want to stay sharp, maintain our edge, and hold off decline, it’s critical to treat training your brain like you do supporting physical health. After age 40, adults experience a 5% decrease in brain volume every decade. The way to counteract this natural decline is to build up our cognitive reserve. These new interconnected neural networks allow you to focus, remember, and problem solve.

The best way to train your brain is to challenge it to the point of failure so that you can push yourself to learn something new. As Christ Hemsworth demonstrated on Limitless, failure is actually our best impetus to change and learn.

Q: What did Chris Hemsworth do to train his brain on Limitless?

In the episode, Hemsworth was challenged to do something that’s great for your brain: learn a new skill. In his case, it was to learn to drum well enough to accompany Ed Sheeran in 2 months’ time.

What stood out is that simply learning the skill wasn’t going to cut it. Chris Hemsworth had to learn how to learn. He had to take a step back and learn strategies to engage his memory, attention, processing speed, and other core cognitive skills in unique ways.

At LearningRx, we use many of these same principles, but in a structured, one-on-one program that targets specific cognitive skills that are weak. Our individualized approach identifies areas for improvement for people of all ages and then structures the sessions like a personal trainer would at the gym to help you build stronger learning skills.

Q: Why was drumming such a challenge for Hemsworth?

On Limitless, Hemsworth struggled to integrate his learned skills with the pace and rhythm needed for the drumming task. When skills are not automatic, it’s difficult to do them at a set pace or rhythm. As Hemsworth progressed in developing his learning skills like memory and attention, the pace became less of an issue because the drumming skill became automatic.

At LearningRx, we use a metronome during training sessions to sync tasks to a set rhythm. This challenges the brain to process information more quickly and accurately, turning effortful skills into automatic habits.

Q: Chris Hemsworth was learning new skills. How does that build brain power?

Learning something new—whether it’s a language, an instrument, or even a mental exercise—forces the brain to form new neural connections. This strengthens mental flexibility, cognitive reserve, and resilience.

At LearningRx, we take that concept and apply it systematically to target weaknesses in core cognitive skills like memory, attention, processing speed, and problem solving. The result? Clients of all ages build lasting improvements in how they think and learn.

Q: Is brain training just for kids?

Not at all. One of the most powerful messages from Limitless is that we can improve cognitive skills at any age.

LearningRx works with children, teens, adults, and even seniors. Whether it’s a child struggling in school, a professional wanting to stay sharp, or an older adult working to maintain brain health, brain training provides tools to boost performance and confidence.

Q: How does LearningRx make brain power gains “stick”?

Chris Hemsworth was working to build habits that would last. It’s not just about learning the skill” it’s about keeping the brain sharp and active. That’s exactly what LearningRx programs do. By engaging clients in intense, game-like mental workouts with a personal brain trainer, we leverage the power of neuroplasticity help make stronger thinking skills automatic and habitual.

It’s not just about trying harder—it’s about training smarter. Research has found measurable changes in brain connectivity and performance after LearningRx brain training. These are not just “productivity hacks” to make you feel more efficient. Brain training creates real, root-cause changes to how your brain functions every day.*

The Takeaway

What Chris Hemsworth showed on Limitless is that brain power isn’t fixed. With the right kind of training, your brain can adapt, grow, and perform better than you ever thought possible.

At LearningRx, we bring that science into real life. Our training helps people of all ages unlock their brain’s potential through personalized, one-on-one brain training.

👉 Ready to see how brain training could work for you or a loved one? 

Schedule a cognitive skills assessment at your local LearningRx center or online today and start building your own brain power—without the pressure of having to perform with Ed Sheeran!

Check out These Stories from Adults Who Boosted Their Brainpower at LearningRx

*Results are from past clients. Every brain is unique, so you or your loved ones may or may not achieve the same outcomes. Read more about our research and results here!