We all are familiar with the physical benefits of exercise - a healthy heart, weight control, and strong bones and muscles. However, research continues to accumulate that points to the important role that exercise has on the developing brain – both its complex structure and function and how it shapes behavior.

The benefits of exercise on the child’s brain include:

• improved concentration, cognition, memory and academic performance
• better self-esteem
• stress reduction
• decreased likelihood of mental health issues like anxiety and depression
• decreases the severity of ADHD symptoms and autism spectrum disorder

Much of this research was summarized and reported in the best-selling book Spark by psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey from Harvard University . Check out this video for more information.

So, just like the heart, muscles and bones need exercise to stay healthy so does the brain of growing and developing children. And remember, the current recommendations are a minimum of 1 hour (60 minutes) of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily. That can be a combination of unstructured free play at the playground, sports practice or game, a family walk or bike ride, physical education, recess, swimming or dance lessons, etc. Just move! Your brain is hungry for exercise!We all are familiar with the physical benefits of exercise - a healthy heart, weight control, and strong bones and muscles. However, research continues to accumulate that points to the important role that exercise has on the developing brain – both its complex neurological structure and function and how it shapes behavior.

Stay tuned for additional blogs on Exercise and the Brain. Click here to learn more about the Pediatric Exercise and Genomics Research Center (PERC) and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ucipeds and use the hashtag #KidsExercise #PERC

Learn more » Pediatric Exercise and Genomics Research Center (PERC)

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ucipeds and use the hashtag #KidsExercise #PERC