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As a college student you probably care a great deal about your academic performance and you might even be looking for strategies to improve your grades and grade point average. I would like to make the case for increased physical activity as a possible solution.

Sedentary behaviors have increased over the last several decades. Americans are increasingly in a state of inactivity while in the classroom, at work, and when conducting leisure activities. One suggested factor for this is the growing use of technology. Think about it, smart TVs, cell phones, tablets, and computers are all typically used while seated and motionless. Couple this with a trend of increased inactivity in new college students caused by the new life challenges, increased freedom, time spent in class and studying that can all come with the transition to college life and we’ve got a very still situation on our hands.

Fret not, research suggests that increasing physical activity can be one antidote to this stillness that has positive impacts on academic and performance! Much research has been done on the link between physical activity and academic or cognitive performance and the benefits are seemingly endless…

>Studies have found that college students who engage in physical activity are more likely to have better academic outcomes.

>There is a positive relationship between even light physical activity and performance in the workplace and classroom.

>Physical activity can decrease anxiety and stress, improve a student’s ability to study, and improve cognitive function.

>There is a relationship between intense exercise and memory regulation.

>Exercise results in higher alertness, decreased impulsivity, and increased reaction speed.

>Students with higher levels of exercise had higher grade point averages than students with low levels of exercise.

>The basic cognitive functions related to attention and memory that facilitate learning are enhanced by physical activity and higher aerobic fitness.

>Demonstrated improvements in motivation and morale, improved problem solving and decision making.

>More exercise may alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the body’s level of serotonin (a primary ingredient in antidepressants)

>Intense physical activity has been shown to improve the attention of children with ADHD

Based on these results, the link seems clear, increased physical activity can improve the factors that facilitate academic success. So, if you’re looking for ways to begin incorporating physical activity into your life to hopefully improve your performance at RMCAD, consider these options:

>Take walk breaks when studying

>Begin incorporating aerobic exercises (swimming, jogging, hiking, weight lifting) into your weekly routine

>If you have to listen to prerecorded lectures, do so while walking or riding a stationary bike

>Get a standing desk

Resources:

Field, T., Diego, M., & Sanders, C. E. (2001). Exercise is positively related to adolescents’ relationships and academics. Adolescence, 36(141), 105–110.

Hoppenfeld, J., Graves, S. J., Sewell, R. R., & Halling, T. D. (2019). Biking to Academic Success: A Study on a Bike Desk Implementation at an Academic Library. Public Services Quarterly, 15(2), 85–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2018.1552229

“National Center for Biotechnology Information.” National Library of Medicine. Accessed September 29, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201501/.

Silva, A. P., Prado, S. O. S., Scardovelli, T. A., Boschi, S. R. M. S., Campos, L. C., & Frère, A. F. (2015). Measurement of the Effect of Physical Exercise on the Concentration of Individuals with ADHD. PLoS ONE, 10(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122119

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Impact of Physical Activity on Academic Performance

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