Health Benefits of Fitness and Physical Activity

Physical activity affects metabolism and all major body systems. The saying, “A strong mind and a strong body” are now well supported in research. Physical activity affects brain chemistry and cognitive functioning contributing to emotional stability, physical health, and the ability to learn. It is now clear and well supported that physical activity favorably affects cognitive functioning.

Three recent literature reviews conclude that school-based physical activity programs may result in short-term cognitive benefits (Taras, 2005), improve cognitive functioning among children (Sibley & Etnier, 2003), and do not hinder academic achievement (Trudeau & Shepard, 2008). These findings support the case for favorable effects of physical activity or physical fitness on cognitive functioning of youth.

No Child Left Behind legislation was implemented across the nation. Physical education, recess, and related physical activity programs were cut in an effort to raise academic scores in the federally mandated standardized tests. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005 found that there is currently no evidence to support the hypothesis that less time engaged in physical activities will be effective in increasing standardized test scores. Their research found that school-based physical activity programs were either neutral or had a positive effect on academic outcomes.

Relationship between Academics and Physical Activity

CDC Report

The CDC report suggested that increased student physical activity and physical fitness can best be achieved through a comprehensive approach (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997) that includes physical education, wise use of recess and after school times, co-curricular physical activity opportunities, and bicycling or walking to and from school. The nature and scope of school-based physical activity/education programs will vary with the resources available (e.g., human, physical, and social environmental) and with the level of commitment by school administrators.

Physical Activity and Mental Health

It’s well known that routine physical activity benefits both body and mind. And there are no age limits. Both children and adults can reap big benefits. A study published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, explores whether certain factors may help to explain the value of daily physical activity for adolescent mental health. Researchers from the Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands looked at two possible explanations for the link between exercise and good mental health. One was positive self-image and the other was winning friends. They surveyed 7,000 Dutch students, ages 11 to 16.

Yale University child psychologist Alan Kazdin, the editor of Clinical Psychological Science, says the findings show just how bountiful the benefits of exercise can be. “I think it would be too strong to call it an elixir, but it has the broad effects of something like that,” he says.

Kids Aren’t Getting Enough of the Exercise they Need

The brain works in magical ways. Movement allows the brain to rebuild neural networks, process new tasks and skills, and connect its logical and creative sides for optimal performance in school, sports, and life. In a 2011 meta-analysis of 59 studies, researchers found there was a significant positive effect of physical activity on children’s achievement and cognitive outcomes. STACK-Read More………

Let’s Move Initiative

In 2013, the First Lady’s Let’s Move Active Schools Initiative is aiming at similar targets.

First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! on February 9, 2010, to unite the country around our kids’ health and create real support for families to live healthier lives. Since then we’ve seen substantial commitments from parents, business leaders, educators, elected officials, military leaders, chefs, physicians, athletes, childcare providers, community and faith leaders, and kids themselves to improve the health of our nation’s children.

Given the state of youth fitness in this country, it makes sense to cease the practice of eliminating the two significant opportunities that students have to be active at school: physical education and recess. Now that we know that it enhances academic growth rather than competes with learning time, it makes sense to reinstate physical education and recess back into elementary schools across the nation with deliberate speed.