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The Benefits of Classroom Exercise

Published October 23, 2008

The following article was written by Williamson County Schools Health/Wellness Specialist Ken Brooks

The WCS Coordinated School Health initiative supports increased physical activity in both the school and home environments.  Benefits to the brain and learning are part of the many reasons why this is so important.  The most recent brain research supports the importance of movement within the traditional classroom setting.  The movement comes in the form of what is known as classroom energizers.  This current brain research includes:

  • Since the brain cannot produce or store its own fuel, the brain is only as healthy as the body that carries it.
  • Movement, physical activity and exercise all have benefits for brain health, development and learning.
  • After 17 minutes of sitting the brain begins to signal the body to begin sleep mode since not navigating.  This supports the need to get students up and moving as a normal part of the classroom experience. 
  • Learning increases 10-percent alone by standing because of increased blood flow.
  • Brain Research supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic performance.  Movement, physical activity and exercise:
    • Grows new brain cells in the learning and memory center of the brain.
    • Get’s the brain fuel; oxygen and glucose to the brain center.
    • Moves the body in space (spatial awareness) to help the brain see letters and numbers on a page.
    • Crosses the midlines of the brain and body to aid in coordination of movements and thoughts by organizing, integrating, and energizing the brains hemispheres.  (Einstein would walk the lazy 8 pattern during times of meditation.)
    • Practices hearing a steady beat and keeping a steady beat prepares brain for language acquisition (supports using music with activity).
    • Lower limb activity activates BDNF, the “Miracle Gro” for the brain that nourishes and protects the neural pathways for learning.
    • Increases tracking and visual fitness to enhance the ability to follow words on a page.
    • Promotes emotional safety through positive social feedback with partners and groups.
  • When students perform cross lateral activities, blood flow is increased in all parts of the brain making it more alert and energized.
  • The teenage brain, due to neuron pruning, is more susceptible to damage.  Binge drinking affects the top of the brain – the problem solving area.