You understand exercise is important for good health. But what if it can also help your grades in the process?
Most adults understand how important it is for them to exercise regularly to maintain good health. What adult learners may not realize is how much physical activity can help the mind as well. The right kind of exercise routine could even boost brainpower, which, in turn, could mean greater success among those who have decided to go back to college.
Many studies have found a link between exercise and improvements in cognitive function. This should come as refreshing news to older students who may be concerned about age and how it will affect their ability to memorize facts and prepare for tests.
Mental Benefits of Exercise
In 2012, researchers from a university in New Zealand took a look at the mental benefits of physical exercise. According to their review, which appeared online in the Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, aerobic exercise could help individuals maintain strong cognitive function, including working memory and the ability to switch between tasks.
For this reason, adult learners may want to find some time in their schedule to go for a walk or run, either outdoors or on a treadmill. They could also explore their school’s gym and use an elliptical trainer or go for a swim in an indoor pool.
If adults have never tried yoga, it may be time to do so. The results of a recent study from an Illinois-based university reveal that a 20-minute session of Hatha yoga had a positive effect on how participants performed on assessments designed to measure working memory and inhibitory control.
Whether students plan to pursue a degree in the arts or information technology, they should consider working out a little more. Not only will their health improve, but possibly their grades as well.
