Exercise for Brain Power

5-ways-exercise-impacts-brain-power

Children and adolescents spend an average of 6 and 8 hours per day, respectively, in sedentary behaviors, both during and outside of school. This sedentary time is increasing in children in recent years most likely due to a dramatic increase in screen time and increased academic rigor in the classrooms.  Research indicates that physical activity influences brain power. Read more on exercise for brain power.

5 Reasons Why You Should Exercise for Brain Power

Here is some evidence based research on how exercise impacts brain power:

  1. Exercise enhances neurogenesis which is the the creation of new brain cells in regions of the brain associated with higher-order thinking and recall.
  2. Exercise boosts the formation of synaptic connections between neurons in response to learning and sensory input from the environment.
  3. Physical activity appears to stimulate the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons and synapses grow.
  4. Exercise assists with the creation and maintenance of healthy blood vessels to increase blood and oxygen flow to enhance brain functioning.
  5. Physical activity helps create a positive mood.  This in turn releases neurochemicals such as endorphins, melatonin, and serotonin, increasing neural activation in parts of the brain associated with positive emotions and increased attention and focus.

Read more about ways to optimize the brain for learning with physical activity.

Reference:  Marcus Conyers and Donna Wilson. Smart moves: Powering up the brain with physical activity. Phi Delta Kappan May 2015 96: 38-42, doi:10.1177/0031721715583961

Exercises for the Classroom and Home is a set of 5 posters to encourage simple fitness activities for students. 

The Exercises in the Classroom and Home set includes the following poster pages:

  • Wake Up Exercises – get students awake and ready to learn! Use to get the wiggles out or to energize students.
  • Be Strong Exercises – students can work on core strengthening, shoulders, arms, hips, and legs.
  • Focus Exercises – encourage increased focus, balance, and attention with these 6 exercises.
  • Stretching Exercises – 6 simple exercises to increase flexibility to prevent poor posture.
  • Calming Exercises – a great routine to implement to help students self-regulate.

FIND OUT MORE.