Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET When we think about working out, we often think about training our bodies. But is it possible to enhance brain fitness? Cognitive fitness is a growing topic in wellness, especially as research suggests that early interventions like lifestyle changes can help slow mental decline. "True health isn't just physical -- it starts with your brain," said Jean-Michel Fournier, CEO of Muse, a health-tech company. I tested the Muse S Athena, a $475 brain-training headband that combines EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity and oxygen levels to give you real-time feedback. Muse was best known for its meditation headband, but the launch of Athena marks the brand's expansion into a more holistic approach to brain wellness. It can be used to improve sleep, meditate and boost focus.
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Before its launch, I had the chance to test the Muse S Athena, including its new owl flight challenge, which lets you control an owl's flight speed with your focus. Can I make an owl fly with my mind? Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNETThe setup was simple and straightforward: I put the headband on and adjusted the sensors for a good connection, then I started the session. The idea behind the owl flight challenge is to help the owl fly. The more focused you are, the higher and faster the owl flies. If your concentration is unsteady, the owl slows down. At first, the owl began flying slowly. The owl began to soar as I locked in, but after a few minutes, it slowed down. I tried to focus harder and even closed my eyes to concentrate better, but the more I tried, the less the owl moved.After the session, I learned that focus isn't about strain; it's more about controlled mental effort. Athena picks up on subtle shifts in brain activity and blood oxygenation, detecting when you're pushing too hard or your mind starts drifting.At the end of my session, I scored 75 on mental strength. Muse says that consistent training can help build cognitive endurance over time, much like strengthening other body muscles.How the Muse S Athena worksThe headband combines EEG and fNIRS to give you insights about your brain function.EEG tracks your brainwave activity and helps measure focus, relaxation and engagement.fNIRS measures your oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex, which gives you an idea of how well your brain is fueling itself during mental effort.Together, these two metrics create a real-time feedback loop. Muse's AI-powered system helps you personalize your training over time to build mental stamina.Mental wellness beyond focusEven though I only got to demo the focus challenge, the Athena headband can be used beyond meditation and focus games. Muse says that its neurofeedback system can:Boost workplace performance by optimizing focusImprove sleep with more precise brain oxygenation and SpO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) monitoringSupport long-term brain health by slowing cognitive declineOver the past few years, I've noticed a growing interest in brain longevity, and Athena is tapping directly into that space. "Muse headbands are becoming a game changer in the landscape of sleep wearables," said Rebecca Robillard, Ph.D., a sleep researcher with the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, in Muse's press release. Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNETIs it worth $475?The Muse S Athena headband is one of the most advanced consumer neurotech devices I've tested, but at nearly $500, it's not cheap. This wearable is priced closer to premium fitness trackers like the Oura Ring than traditional meditation tools.Who it's forMindfulness and meditation enthusiastsPeak performance seekersThose wanting to conserve long-term brain healthWho should skip itCasual users who are only curious about brain trainingPeople who are only looking to sleep trackThis tool may be exciting if you're serious about cognitive health and want real-time neurofeedback. However, the price may be hard to justify for those only looking to improve mindfulness, especially when more affordable options are available, like meditation apps.I'll be testing further to see if consistent use makes a difference, but one thing is clear: Brain fitness is gaining momentum, and Muse is pushing the needle forward.