We all know that exercise is good for student health. But could physical fitness also be connected to how well students perform in math and reading?
A new study of South Carolina students led by Dr. Julian A. Reed examined more than 40,000 5th and 8th graders and found an interesting connection between muscular fitness and academic achievement.
While previous research has largely focused on aerobic fitness, such as running, this study looked at something different: upper body muscular strength and endurance. The findings suggest that muscular fitness may play an important role in the broader relationship between physical fitness and academic success.
The Surprising Findings
Here is what the data showed:
- Higher Academic Achievement: Students who reached the Healthy Fitness Zone on the FitnessGram push-up test were more likely to meet or exceed academic standards in math and English Language Arts than students who did not.
- A Connection Beyond Demographics: The relationship remained statistically significant even after researchers accounted for factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, poverty status, and body mass index (BMI).
- More Than Cardio: Upper body muscular strength and endurance remained linked to academic achievement even after researchers accounted for cardiovascular fitness.
For teachers and school leaders, these findings offer another reason to prioritize physical activity throughout the school day.
Bringing Movement to Elementary Classrooms
Finding time for physical activity during an already busy school day can be challenging. But what if students could move while they learn?
That’s where Walkabouts comes in.
Walkabouts turns everyday lessons into active learning experiences for Pre-K through 5th grade students. More than just brain breaks, the platform combines physical movement with standards-aligned instruction, helping students stay active while practicing essential academic skills.
Students can run, jump, hop, and practice sports movements while reinforcing concepts in math, ELA, science, social studies, and other subjects. And with ready-to-use, on-demand lessons that require no prep or special equipment, teachers can easily incorporate movement into their daily routines.
By bringing movement into everyday instruction, Walkabouts helps educators:
- Keep students moving: Reduce sedentary time by incorporating physical activity into academic lessons.
- Reinforce academic skills: Connect movement with state standards across multiple subjects.
- Support the whole child: Create opportunities for active learning that encourage physical fitness, engagement, and well-being.
- Save valuable planning time: Access ready-to-use lessons without additional preparation or equipment.
While the study focused specifically on upper body muscular fitness rather than classroom-based movement, its findings reinforce the importance of supporting students’ physical fitness alongside their academic development.
Ready to Get Your Students Moving?
Movement and learning don’t have to compete for time in the classroom. With Walkabouts, students can stay active while reinforcing the academic skills they’re learning every day.
Contact Destination Knowledge Today for a Free 30-Day Trial of Walkabouts!
Leah Halada is a Marketing Coordinator at Destination Knowledge, helping schools discover resources to enhance student achievement and well-being.
