Did you know giving students opportunities to be physically active during school can help them become better learners? Movement like jumping jacks, standing and stretching, and acting out stories are some examples of classroom physical activity that can improve students’ health and readiness to learn. In fact, integrating physical activity into lesson plans has several benefits for students, such as

• Improved concentration in the classroom.
• Improved motivation and engagement in learning.
• Improved academic performance.1

Classroom physical activity is any physical activity done in the classroom, either during lessons or between lessons, that can occur in one or several brief periods during the school day. Classroom physical activity is part of a Comprehensive Physical Activity School Program that can take place in addition to physical education and recess.

Schools are in a unique position to help students attain the nationally recommended 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.¹ Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing various health conditions.^1–3

To learn more about the benefits of physical activity, physical activity behaviors of young people, and recommendations, visit Physical Activity Facts.

For more information on the Physical Activity Guidelines, 2^nd edition, visit Physical Activity Guidelines for School-Aged Children and Adolescents.

Find out what CDC is doing nationwide to help more adults, children, and adolescents become physically active.

Click here to visit the CDC Physical Education and Physical Activity webpage for tools and resources.