"You can't play until you've finished your homework."

This typical mom-phrase used for generations may no longer be considered good parenting. Kids exercise is now not only proven to improve a child's health, both now and in the future, but it also stimulates their mind and could guarantee better grades in school.

James Pivarnik, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, took part in a study that determined a link between kids exercise and kids' academic successes. Studying middle-school students, results showed that those who partook in exercise did better scholastically.
 
The study examined 317 students and found that the kids in the best athletic shape scored nearly 30 percent higher than kids in the worst shape. Even those with a minimal amount of exercise scored better than those with little or no exercise in their daily routine.
 
"It's not only Johnny's getting fat, and heart disease down the road - all that's true. But it's also that he might not do as well in school," says Pivarnik.
 
The best type of exercise for kids is free play. Organized sports do not always lead to results, as they usually only benefit those kids who are already in shape, while the less-fit kids sit on the sideline or don't make the cut. But, non-competitive exercise, such as playing on a jungle gym, is the most effective in boosting any child's health and cognitive thinking.
 
Just a little daily extra-curricular activity will help energize a child's body and stimulate his mind in preparation for homework. So, if you know your child's not getting adequate exercise at school, make sure he gets it when he comes home ... and before he starts his homework. 
 
Source: Sports Medicine Study

Other Kids Exercise Articles:

• Kids Exercise For Fun
• Annual Kids Fitness Day
• Exercise For Infants

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