You know that exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? The health benefits of physical activity have been extensively documented and it has become well known that regular physical activity is a proven way to feel better and to have more energy. What is less well known is the positive effect of physical activity on student academic performance. Current research shows a consistent positive relationship between physical activity and academic achievement in children and adolescents (1, 2, 3). Children who are more physically fit are likely to perform better on standardized academic achievement tests. With many schools cutting back on physical education during school hours, experts say walking or biking to school can help provide the daily exercise children need (4). While much research remains to be done, one conclusion to be drawn is that conditions which promote a healthy body also promote a healthy mind.

 

What the Research Says
A summary of peer-reviewed research by Active Living Research, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that children who are more physically active tend to perform better academically (5). While data regarding the exact relationship between physical activity and academic achievement is limited, evidence suggests a positive relationship between physical activity and grade point average, rate of learning and classroom behavior, as well as cognitive, social, and motor

skill development.

 

Studies have identified several potential factors that may help explain the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. They include:

 

• Physical activity and fitness may enhance concentration and classroom behavior, which may contribute positively to academic achievement

 

• Physical activity may improve mental health and self-esteem, and can also alleviate stress, anxiety and depression – problems that can hurt school performance

 

• Exercise and fitness may affect brain function and improve cognitive functioning

 

• The achievement orientation of motivated students may drive them to succeed in both academics and physical fitness

 

• A student’s physical fitness may reflect overall health (such as nutrition or weight status) and good health may contribute positively to academic achievement

 

Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The results of these studies came as no surprise to Lisa Perry, who serves as national physical education and physical activity manager for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Founded by the American Heart