Physical and mental health are two things all parents want for their kids, but a new study funded by Nike has shown that the two actually go hand-in-hand.
For the study, 75 children ages 9-11 were put to the test with a series of aerobic exercises and muscular fitness strength challenges for both the upper and lower body and the core. They used their own body weight and a medicine ball, and did lunges, shoulder presses, and push-ups. The kids had to complete as many repetitions of these activities as they were able to within a 30-second time frame while maintaining proper form and posture.
Along with the physical demands, the kids were required to complete academic assessment tests to gauge their working memory, math skills, and reading and writing competency.
After controlling for variables such as age, sex, grade, and IQ, the study found that the kids who had better aerobic fitness performed better on the memory tests and scored higher in the algebra exams. Additionally, the kids who had greater muscular fitness did better on the memory assessments and the gamut of academic tests as well. Based on this information the researchers found that the fitter the child, the better they fared in the mind-related functions.
Not only does physical fitness help with academia, but it keeps our kids healthy too. It’s recommended that kids get 60-plus minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise.
Is your child getting enough exercise? It’s time to get off the couch and into something physically demanding. It’s fun, healthy, and leads to better school performance…all positives for something that does a body good!
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