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Researchers are saying that college students who exercise tend to have better grades than those who do not exercise.  A study done by Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan studied 266 undergraduate students to see if or how exercise influences Grade Point Average (GPA is on a 4 point scale, 4 being the highest grade, an A+).  The study took into account the following factors that might also influence GPA apart from exercise; gender, study time, college sports and area of study.  The results showed that students who vigorously and habitually exercised had a 0.4 point higher GPA than students who did not exercise.

Now, many argue that exercise and good grades do not have a cause and effect relationship, but are correlated because those who have the discipline to exercise probably have the discipline to study and manage their time better.  That may be true, but it is important to note that exercise releases endorphins, which has shown to improve attitude and boost energy, both fundamental in being a successful student.

A similar study was conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine. The purpose of the study was to “assess the association between study time, grade point average (GPA) and meeting current recommendations for vigorous and moderate physical activity in college students.” Results showed that students who spend more time studying are more likely to exercise.  A student who studies three or more hours per day is four times more likely to exercise vigorously than students who study less than one hour per day. And students with a GPA of 3.5 or above are three times more likely to exercise vigorously than students with a GPA below 3.0.

Verdict:

Exercise is healthy for both body and mind and may help students get on track to getting better grades.

What do you think?

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Tags: American College of Sports Medicine, Course, Exercise, GPA