Exercise Improves Reading & Math

Students at Naperville High School in Illinois have a unique situation. Students who struggle with math and reading participate in physical education classes before they engage in those subject areas. The results? Dramatic improvement. Those students who participated in this program back in 2010 doubled their reading scores, while improving their math scores by a factor of 20. NHS has inserted exercise bikes and balls in every classroom. When teachers feel the students are losing focus, they take a quick exercise break.  That's pretty cool.

I often talk to the students at Syracuse about the awesome effects of exercise on the brain. Research has proven that powerful brain-rejuvenating neurotransmitters are released in the brain when we challenge the body with exercise.  These neurotransmitters can produce better focus, memory, and mood.  These benefits are of course great for learning.