Exercise and Brain Health for Young People: Another Puzzle Piece to Achieving Optimal Well-Being

When it comes to listing the benefits of exercise for young people, most people are familiar with the physical benefits - a healthy heart, fundamental movement skill development, and strong bones and muscles.

Amidst the increased attention and concerns of mental health, behavioral disorders and academic performance of the current generation, there is a need for effective interventions. Just as exercise is a polypill for poor physical fitness, it can also benefit (and is essential) to optimal brain development. 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.

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Benefits of Exercise on the Child and Teenage Brain

In sum, the benefits of exercise on the child and teenage brain include:

• improved concentration, cognition, memory and academic performance 

• better self-esteem 

• stress reduction

• decreased likelihood of mental health issues like anxiety and depression 

• decreased 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 a summary of the book.

Just move!

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!