Jackie Lund, Ph.D, President of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education points out a link between cognitive learning and physical activity. “The area of the brain that’s involved in cognitive learning is the same area that’s stimulated by physical activity, so the two seem to work hand in hand,” she explains.

How does exercise improve grades?
I always say working up the motivation to exercise is harder than actually exercising. Once I get done with a 30 minute strength workout or a 45 minute run I feel great; ready to take on the world. This is because exercise allows more blood to flow to the brain and helps the brain take in more nutrients. This results in:

• More energy for the whole body.
• An increase in stamina (which helps eliminate boredom during studying).
• And higher self-esteem.

But by middle school and high school kids no longer get a recess during the day. And P.E. classes are usually pretty limited by this age as well. While both of my teens are in a P.E. class this term, it’s not for the whole year. In fact my oldest didn’t have any P.E. class last year in the 10th grade.

So what can we do to get our kids active?
Well the obvious answer is, get them off the computer and away the TV and force them outdoors.

• Set limits on electronics. No more than 2 hours a day in front of the TV or computer.
• Encourage your teen to get outside for a walk or a bike ride.
• Organize family activities that get you all moving, such as basketball in the driveway or a soccer game in the backyard.
• Start a new tradition of family walks every night (or a few nights a week) before dinner. This also gives you a great opportunity to talk to your teen and learn about his day.
• Throw on your roller blades and head for the local skating rinks. Teens love to watch their parents make fools of themselves…urm, I mean have fun.
• Too cold outside? Play a game of tag. There are tons of variations of tag. My kids (even my teens) like to play flashlight tag.
• Choose a parking space far away and make the whole family hike it up to the restaurant or store or sporting event.
• Encourage your kids to take the stairs with you when you need to go to the next floor at the department store or doctor’s office.
• And the one suggestion I always go back to…set a good example. If your kids see you getting active they will be more likely to be active themselves.

Sources:
Connect With Kids Exercise Can Improve Grades
Family-Life Magazine Can Exercise Improve Grades?
USA Today Exercise builds strong brains, too

Post from: Blisstree

Improve Grades With Exercise