Students who regularly engage in physical fitness activities are likely to have higher GPAs than students who do not, according to a 2014 Michigan State University study.
The study, comprised of 4,843 freshman and sophomore students at the university, found daily physical activity increases cells in the brain by providing energy to the hippocampus, the region of the brain that affects memory.
In addition, the study concluded school retention rates increased 3.5 percent among students who were members of a gym, suggesting students with active gym memberships are also less likely to drop out of school.
At the conclusion of the study, students who were members of recreational fitness centers had higher cumulative GPAs than their peers, 0.13 points higher on average.
Richard Bloomer, dean of the University of Memphis’ School of Health Studies, said people who do not exercise regularly are doing themselves a great disservice.
“Ideally, every student, faculty and staff member on this campus would be adopting a lifestyle inclusive of regular exercise,” Bloomer said.
Bloomer said apart from the obvious aesthetic appeals of exercise, such as fat loss and muscle mass gain, improved brain function is also a benefit of exercise.
Bloomer referenced a 2010 American Heart Association study that analyzed the fitness levels and standardized test scores of 725 elementary students. At the conclusion of the study, students who were not physically fit had the lowest test scores, while students who were physically fit had the highest scores in reading, math, science and social studies.
Barbara McClanahan, coordinator of health sciences and health promotion, said regular exercise improves overall quality of life.
“It may enhance focus and memory, and lower stress and anxiety,” McClanahan said. “When performed at sufficient levels, it my increase the body’s natural mood elevators.”
The U of M’s Student Recreation and Fitness Center complex offers a wide variety of fitness options for students.
“The existing facility [has] two basketball court areas, five racquetball courts, a core training court and functional training court,” Jim Vest, director of campus recreation intramural services, said.
Vest said the center also offers table tennis, group fitness studios, indoor and outdoor pools and separate areas for cardio and weight training.
In addition, students can attend a variety of fitness classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), agility training, tai chi, cycling, yoga and Zumba.
“Research shows that current and prospective students value campus recreation facilities and programs,” Vest said. “Participation during these college years positively influences students’ attitudes toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
RJ Whitfield, 24, political science major, uses the rec center to lift weights and run and said he is more efficient when he exercises.
“Weeks when I’m good about working out, I’m definitely more productive,” Whitfield said. “It helps clear my mind.”
