Mental/Intellectual Health Benefits
While physical activity is great for maintaining physical health, it is also very effective in maintaining mental health.
Research shows that exercise releases chemicals in the brain that makes one feel good. This helps in improving feelings of self worth and confidence. These chemicals also aid concentration and sleep. (Journals Cam, 1999)
Some of the main mental and intellectual health benefits of physical activity include;
http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FPHN%2FPHN2_3a%2FS1368980099000567a.pdf&code=faa0fe5bf14503325e74d9e8bd98cb77
With all the mental and emotional benefits of exercise, students may also benefit intellectually. Studies show that students are able to focus more during class after exercise since physical activity allows better blood circulation. Also, students who exercise regularly have a better ability to sleep which causes them to be awake and active during the day for work or school.
Research shows that exercise releases chemicals in the brain that makes one feel good. This helps in improving feelings of self worth and confidence. These chemicals also aid concentration and sleep. (Journals Cam, 1999)
Some of the main mental and intellectual health benefits of physical activity include;
- Reduction of anxiety/stress
- A sense of purpose and responsibility
- Improved sleep
- Allows students to feel less tired during classes
-Enhances learning
- Subjective well-being, emotion, and mood
- Can help prevent clinical mental illnesses like depression
- A positive attitude aids in the willingness to learn during school, and work efficiently - Self-esteem and self-perceptions
- The release of chemicals in the brain allows one to feel good which leads to self worth and confidence
(Journals Cam, 1999) - A better social life
- Recreation helps the development of social skills and encourages people to take action and leading roles in their own lives and communities
- Facilities created for sport and recreation in neighbourhoods serve to bring the community together which encourages interaction and building relationships
(Exercise Science, 387)
http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FPHN%2FPHN2_3a%2FS1368980099000567a.pdf&code=faa0fe5bf14503325e74d9e8bd98cb77
With all the mental and emotional benefits of exercise, students may also benefit intellectually. Studies show that students are able to focus more during class after exercise since physical activity allows better blood circulation. Also, students who exercise regularly have a better ability to sleep which causes them to be awake and active during the day for work or school.
Physical Health Benefits
These days, children are less active and spend more time sitting than moving around which relates to Canada's main causes of death - heart disease and stroke. However, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation such deaths can be prevented.
"Physical activity strengthens children and teens hearts and helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, which may lower their risk of developing heart disease and stroke as they age."
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
Other physical heath benefits related to regular exercise include;
Physical activity also reduces the risk of;
Certain motor skills may also be developed with regular physical activities. These skills involve; speed, agility, endurance, and muscle power. (Exercise Science, 208)
"Physical activity strengthens children and teens hearts and helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, which may lower their risk of developing heart disease and stroke as they age."
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
Other physical heath benefits related to regular exercise include;
- Lower cholesterol
- Burning of calories to help lose or maintain weight/prevent obesity
- Increase of energy for daily activities
- Improved blood circulation
- Strengthening of muscles and bones
- Keeping joints flexible
Physical activity also reduces the risk of;
- Cancer
Breast and Colon cancer:
- Physical activity prevents tumour development by energy balance, hormone levels and insulin regulation, improving the immune response. Inflammatory and immune factors related to physical activity may also influence the risk of cancer. (Cancer, 2012) - Diabetes
- Regular physical activity improves body's sensitivity to insulin and helps manage blood glucose (sugar) levels
- Physical activity can be as powerful as glucose-lowering medication, with fewer side effects. (Diabetes, 2015)
- Osteoporosis (deterioration of bone)
- Exercise improves muscle mass and strength
- Can prevent falls by improving balance and coordination
- Exercise can improve posture, reducing risk of spine fractures
(Osteoporosis, 2015)
Certain motor skills may also be developed with regular physical activities. These skills involve; speed, agility, endurance, and muscle power. (Exercise Science, 208)