Psychological, Emotional, and
Cognitive Effects of Exercise
Angela Smith-Senior Recreation Programmer
Adam Hege-Recreation Programmer
Hickory Parks and Recreation
Sedentary America
Seventy-five percent of Americans do
not even get the recommended 30
minutes a day of exercise
Over the last 25 years, the childhood
obesity rate has doubled and
continues to rise
The CDC has declared the obesity
epidemic as the most problematic
public health issue in America
Sedentary America
Dr. Kenneth Cooper, one of the
country’s foremost experts on
physical activity says, “In Texas, we
may have the first generation in
which the parents will outlive their
kids. Obese children who develop
diabetes before 14 years of age can
expect their lifespan to be reduced
by 17 to 29 years.”
John J. Ratey, MD
Well-known psychiatrist from Harvard
His research focuses on the mind-body
relationship
Recently published book, Spark: The
Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and
the Brain”
Naperville District 203
Zero Hour PE, developed by Phil Lawler, a
Junior High P.E. teacher
The mission is to teach fitness, not sports
The district consistently ranks among the
state’s top ten academically in Illinois
Their P.E. program is a model for everyone
and teaches the positives of physical
fitness for everyone
Exercise: Growing Your Brain Cells
Exercise heightens a person’s
senses, their focus and mood are
improved, they’re less tense, and
more motivated
John Ratey, says, “I tell people that
going for a run is like taking a little
bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin
because, like the drugs, exercise
elevates these neurotransmitters.”
Exercise and Stress
Stress is inevitable!!!
Exercise raises self-confidence and allows
one to manage stress more efficiently
Most people’s main source of stress is
their workplace. Now more and more
companies are getting on the bandwagon
of keeping their workers healthy and more
functional at work.
Exercise helps to keep your brain running
more smoothly. A more active body
results in a healthier brain.
Anxiety
Anxiety affects approximately 18 percent of the
American population
Exercise has been proven to produce chemical
changes within the body
Ways in which exercise helps with anxiety:
1. It provides distraction.
2. It reduces muscle tension.
3. It builds brain resources.
4. It teaches a different outcome.
5. It reroutes your circuits.
6. It improves resilience.
7. It sets you free.
Improving Mood Levels
Psychologists and psychiatrists have
rated exercise as the number one
technique for improving one’s bad
mood.
However, intensity, duration, and
frequency of exercise can be
determining factors in relation to
improving a person’s mood through
exercise.
Exercise and Depression
Exercise has been found to be as
effective as psychotherapy for the
treatment of depression
Exercise is in itself an
antidepressant; however, it probably
is better as a preventative measure
than a treatment.
Exercise and ADHD
John Ratey consistently uses exercise as
his treatment form for patients suffering
from ADHD
People who suffer from ADHD are more
active in general, but they actually many
time need more activity as a use for
distraction
As we already know, students who suffer
from ADHD need a great deal of structure
in their lives and their school work.
Procrastination is a key issue!!
Sources
Ratey, John J., MD. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science
of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown, and Company.
2008.
Shaw, John. The Deadliest Sin: Scientists probe the
benefits of exercise and the dangers of sloth.
Harvard Magazine. March-April 2004.
Weinberg, Robert S. & Gould, Daniel. Foundations of Sport
and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics. 4th Edition.
2007. 398-411.