Introduction Research background Several factors are known to contribute to cognitive functioning. According to Lowry, Sallinen, and Janicke (2007), weight issue as a result of lack of physical exercise is associated within disjoint in attention (Lowry, Sallinen & Janicke, 2007). In most instances, human being is in a position to control some the external factors that determine the level of cognitive functioning. However, what about some external factors such as physical exercise? Is it possible to improve on the capability to learn and remain attentive basically by frequently doing physical exercise? The primary theory which explains how physical exercise influences cognitive functioning is the metabolic theory. The research conducted by Zaccagni et al. (2014) suggests that physical exercise is important in regulating the body functioning through eliminating toxic substances that interfere with the body functioning. The research revealed that lack of physical exercise might contribute to depression, obesity, weak muscles, and general imbalance in the coordination between the brain and other parts of the body. The limited research on how exercise change cognitive functioning leaves a research gap that need to be filled through further research. To begin which, the available research was focused on the aspect of exercise and general cognitive functioning without specific focus on the attention (Andrea et al., 2014). Therefore, this research paper will attempt to establish the link between exercise and cognitive functioning in terms of attention. Research problem The scope of this research paper is to establish the explicit relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning in terms of attention within three high education institutions in Oklahoma. Research objectives The primary objective of the research is to establish the link between exercise and variables such as attention as cognitive function. Besides, the research will establish the magnitude of the relationship between exercise and the two cognitive functions. Research question and hypothesis The research question is;   * What is the relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning?   * The research hypothesis for this study is;   * Null hypothesis: Young adults who do exercise have strong cognitive functioning.   * Alternative hypothesis: Young adults who do not do exercise have poor cognitive functioning. Relevance of the study The findings of the study will help psychological counselors understand the dynamics in relating exercise to cognitive functioning. The findings will also help the stakeholders to understand how external environmental factors are important in boosting cognitive functioning. This means that the findings might be used in developing guidelines for promoting cognitive functioning in the form of physical exercise programs. Literature Review Good physical exercise has the potential of regulating fats in the body, thus reducing instances of obesity. Obesity is a health concern which is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that negatively affects the health of a person (Franklin, Deyner, Steinbeck, Caterson, & Hill, 2006). Obesity is considered as the key cause of other health disorders such as heart diseases,