The Benefits Of Physical Activity In The Classroom

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. In today’s educational system, physical activity is becoming less and less prevalent. Schools are cutting down on times spent in physical education classes as well as times at recess. However, this is a huge mistake. Many educators are unaware of the many benefits physical activity brings to students academically. Luckily teachers are able to incorporate physical activity in their classrooms by doing activities such as GoNoodle, classroom warm-ups and fitness breaks, SMART Board fitness games, and taking content and making movement in the classroom. Physical activity in classroom as been shown to create physical, mental, and academic

According to Edward R. Laskowski (2016), children older than the age of 6 need at least an hour a day of physical activity. Most of the hour should be either moderate or vigorous aerobic activity. In addition, children should participate in muscle-strengthening and bone strengthening activities at least three days a week. However, most school districts are not helping to aid this need. In fact, with budget cuts, students are being given less opportunities to engage in physical activity. Integrating physical activity into classrooms has the ability to teach students different ways to exercise and become physically fit. Teachers can incorporate movement into academic lessons or add short bursts of activity (5-20 minutes) to regularly planned breaks. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), regularly planned physical activity of any kind can help children improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In cooperating physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and obesity. With students spending less time in participating in physical activities, it is important to find more ways to incorporate more into the everyday classroom. More movement throughout the school day will decrease the risk of serious health conditions and help promote a healthy