Fitter Body, Fitter Brain: How working out can make you smarter

FITTER BODY, FITTER BRAIN: HOW WORKING OUT CAN MAKE YOU SMARTER

The information graphic referenced below provides information graphically on the benefits of physical activity for all including students.  It may provide you with information to increase your physical activity.

Getting the proper amount of exercise is one of the most important elements to maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle. From your heart to your waistline and even your mood, working out regularly touts a wide range of benefits. For students, finding time in a busy schedule to exercise can be more challenging than the workout itself—in fact, only about 12% of students get the recommended amount of exercise for a healthy state of being. But if you're a student struggling to find the time or motivation for a regular exercise routine, you may want to consider the benefits that a great workout can have on your smarts. Studies show that exercising doesn't just boost your health, it can also boost your intelligence and mental acuity. From elementary school all the way through college-level education, regular exercise is seen to improve test scores and even IQ levels. In fact, working out right before a test can aid in boosting performance. And for post-college motivation, employees who work out regularly tend to be more efficient than those who don't, accomplishing more tasks in less time. The following infographic takes a closer look at just how exercise impacts your brain, and why hitting the gym might just power you through your homework assignments.
 
Here's a great infographic that may motivate schools and parents to give their students and children enough time to run around and play. It shows the connection between exercise and brain activity. 
http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/08/27/exercise-makes-you-smarter/?utm_source=Clearinghouse+Connection+-+October+2012&utm_campaign=CC-+Oct+2012&utm_medium=email

For more ideas about how you can keep students physically active, visit www.letsmove.gov.   
    
Paula Brewer, MS, RD, CDN
NYSDOH Hunger Prevention & Nutrition Assistance Pgm
150 Broadway, 6th Floor West
Albany, NY 12204-2719
(518) 402-7339
fax: (518) 402-7220
e-mail: [email protected]

"Healthy food for hungry people" 

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