Physical activity boosts blood flow all over the body, including to the brain. Which results in better thinking skills. Studies show that people who exercise more are sharper mentally. The effects may be almost immediate.
One study found that kids scored higher on math and reading comprehension tests after exercising for 20 minutes.
But, according to April Bowling, assistant professor at Merrimack College, “Exercise doesn’t only increase blood flow, aerobic exercise also seems to change where the brain directs its resources, from areas of the brain that are involved in worrying, for example, and toward areas that are more involved in coordination and focus.
“Secondly, aerobic exercise can change brain chemistry, and specifically the levels of certain neurotransmitters that might help improve an individual’s self-regulation. When mood and self-regulation — the ability to control behaviour — is improved, then children can function better in the classroom.”
Get a Jungle Gym to get your children exercising!