ABSTRACT
Teachers from diverse cultures and socio-economic locations have consistently reported a range of educational improvements, from increased concentration and better classroom behaviour to greater levels of self-efficacy. Fitness is raised; obesity levels are lowered; health benefits accrue. Exercise is also thought to affect other behaviours, such as sleep quality and duration, and coping and self- regulation skills, that could themselves impact mental health and, potentially, educational outcomes. Evidence from psychology suggests that physical activity can enhance mental health, wellbeing and self-esteem, and that these can in turn improve aspects of behaviour to deliver improved educational outcomes. Increasing aerobic exercise in school will almost certainly improve or maintain students’ physical and mental health, and there are signs that it might also improve behaviour, concentration and academic attainment, especially in maths. Activity breaks within lessons, or a timetabled daily run, are practical choices for increasing fitness in primary school, while introducing structured fitness activities during physical education is an option in secondary settings.
