Physical Activity Supports Academic Achievement

This easy-to-read special report, released in 2013, is a roadmap for parents, educators, school administrators, and school volunteers to create healthier school environments so the children in their lives are better positioned to learn.

The report demonstrates that:

  • Physical activity supports academic achievement.
  • Kids who eat well, learn better.
  • Healthier practices in schools can increase schools’ revenue.

Safe Routes to School programs provide a bridge for schools to reinforce the connection between physical fitness and learning – especially in funding-challenged districts. From the report:

“Study after study shows kids who get regular physical activity experience improvements not just in their fitness levels but in brain function too. Just walking or biking to school can prime the brain for learning. It makes sense – kids need to move more. When they do, they are better positioned to succeed in the classroom.”

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