Universities: Encouraging Active Student Bodies

How can universities promote more physical activity among students?

Universities play a vital role in encouraging students to engage in physical activity, which has numerous benefits for their health and academic performance. Here are some strategies that universities can implement to promote physical activity among their student body:

- Educate students about the benefits of physical activity: Students are more likely to be physically active if they understand the positive impact it can have on their mental and physical health, as well as their academic performance. Informing students about the benefits can empower them to prioritise physical activity.

- Prioritise physical education classes: Physical education courses provide students with opportunities to exercise and learn healthy habits for leading active lifestyles. These classes can add a social component to physical activity, making it more enjoyable and meaningful.

- Build time for recess: Recess allows students to engage in free play and provides a break from structured learning. Universities should ensure that recess is included in the daily or weekly schedule to promote physical activity.

- Upgrade playground equipment: Investing in high-quality and inclusive playground equipment demonstrates a commitment to fostering active play. Universities should provide a variety of equipment to encourage students to be active during recess.

- Incorporate physical activity in the classroom: Teachers can incorporate physical movement into their lessons, such as setting up learning stations or having students stand up and stretch periodically. This helps students stay active and improves their ability to focus.

- Host sports events: Universities can organise sporting events like fun runs or obstacle courses to engage students who may not be interested in traditional sports teams. Recreational sports teams can also be formed for students who want a less competitive option.

- Celebrate students' healthy habits: Positive reinforcement can encourage students to repeat healthy behaviours and form long-term habits. Universities should find ways to praise students for prioritising physical activity and participating in sports or physical education classes.

- Involve students in promoting physical activity: Students can inspire each other to be active by sharing their experiences and ideas for staying active. Universities can encourage this by asking students about their physical activities and praising them for their efforts.

Inform students of the benefits of physical activity

Informing students of the benefits of physical activity

Educating students about the benefits of physical activity is a great way to encourage them to be more active. By making students aware of the positive impact of exercise on their health and well-being, as well as their academic performance, we can motivate and empower them to stay active. This is especially important for older students who are more capable of understanding the research on physical activity's benefits and tend to have more control over how they spend their time outside of school.

Mental health

Regular physical exercise has been shown to decrease the likelihood of children dealing with depression or anxiety. Mental health issues can directly impact students' academic performance. According to Children's Mental Health Ontario, a third of Ontario parents have said their child has missed school at some point due to anxiety.

School attendance

Active students are less likely to miss school due to illness since regular physical activity contributes to overall health.

Memory and concentration

Research has shown that physically active children have greater ganglia and hippocampus capacities—parts of the brain associated with memory and cognition—compared to more sedentary children. Being able to focus better in the classroom and retain more information can help children make the most of their education. Improved memory and concentration can also benefit students in other areas of their lives.

Classroom behaviour

Physical activity during the school day can help students behave better in the classroom. When students feel fidgety or distracted, it can be challenging for them to follow instructions. Physical activity helps students satisfy their need to move and play so they're better prepared to focus and listen when they're in the classroom. Some research even suggests that keeping kids active can help prevent bullying.

Academic achievement

There is a direct link between physical fitness and higher grades due to the many cognitive benefits students gain when they're physically active. Additionally, physical activity can lead to higher grades in the immediate future. A study found that children who were active for 20 minutes before a test tended to earn higher scores.

Long-term health benefits

Staying active as children and adolescents can also help set students up for a healthier future as adults. Regular physical activity helps students build strong bones and muscles, improve their cardio-respiratory fitness, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid future health problems such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Inform parents of the benefits of physical activity

Informing parents of the benefits of physical activity can be a powerful way to encourage students to be more active. Here are some key points that can be communicated to parents to help them understand the importance of physical activity for their children:

• Improved mental health: Regular physical exercise has been shown to decrease the likelihood of children dealing with depression or anxiety, which can directly impact their academic performance.
• Better school attendance: Active students are less likely to miss school due to illness. Physical activity boosts overall health and helps prevent students from missing school.
• Enhanced memory and concentration: Physically active children tend to have greater ganglia and hippocampus capacities, which are parts of the brain associated with memory and cognition. This improved brain function helps children focus better in the classroom and retain more information.
• Improved classroom behaviour: Physical activity helps satisfy children's need to move and play, making them better prepared to focus and listen when they're in the classroom. It may also help prevent bullying.
• Higher academic achievement: There is a direct link between physical fitness and higher grades. The cognitive benefits gained from physical activity, such as improved memory and concentration, lead to better academic performance.
• Healthier future: Regular physical activity helps students build strong bones and muscles, improve their cardio-respiratory fitness, maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of future health problems such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Prioritise physical education classes

Physical education courses give students the opportunity to exercise during the school day and can help them develop healthy habits for leading active lifestyles. They can play an influential role in helping students engage in physical exercise and play. Physical education classes that teach sports and other team-building games add a social component to physical activity that can make it more fun and meaningful for kids. They can also be particularly impactful for students who otherwise live sedentary lifestyles.

Physical education courses can be particularly effective when they are embedded within university courses. This involves frequent face-to-face contact with facilitators, which can enhance vigilance and provide encouragement and support. Interventions that include a focus on physical education classes hold particular promise for promoting active student lifestyles.

Build time in the schedule for recess

Building time into the schedule for recess is an important way to promote physical activity at your school. Recess is distinct from physical education courses in that it focuses on free play rather than structured activity. There are various models for recess that can be implemented, such as one recess period in the afternoon or several short recess periods throughout the day. Regardless of the specific model chosen, it is important to ensure that time is built into the schedule for recess so that it is not crowded out by other activities.

Upgrading playground equipment can also encourage students to be more active during recess. It is important to invest in durable equipment that is designed to aid in children's development and promote inclusivity.

In addition to dedicated recess periods, incorporating physical activity into the classroom can also help students stay active. Teachers can set up learning stations at different corners of the room or simply have students stand up and stretch periodically to help them stay focused and engaged.

By providing a variety of opportunities for physical activity, such as recess, physical education classes, and classroom activities, schools can help students develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Upgrade playground equipment

Upgrading playground equipment is a great way to encourage students to be more physically active. Here are some tips and ideas to help you enhance your playground:

Thrilling Structures

Climbing structures, in particular, have many developmental benefits for students. They introduce a safe yet exciting risk, helping students to build confidence and problem-solving skills as they find creative ways to navigate the equipment. Climbing also exercises muscle groups in the arms, legs, back, and core while improving hand-eye coordination.

Other thrilling equipment includes spinners, swings, slides, and balancing equipment. These bring more excitement to the playground and offer additional physical benefits. For example, spinners help develop motor skills, while swings strengthen coordination and slides promote aerobic fitness and muscular force.

Accessible Components

Upgrading your playground is a great opportunity to increase inclusivity and ensure that students of all abilities have equal opportunities to play. Ramps, railings, and inclusive play areas, such as inclusive spinners, allow all students to access and enjoy the playground together.

Inclusive playgrounds should also cater to students with a range of developmental needs. For instance, consider adding quiet areas for students with sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorder, who may need a break from loud, social play.

Sensory Components

Sensory panels and components stimulate children's senses through fun activities, helping them develop valuable skills and knowledge. Musical instruments and chalkboards for writing and drawing are great additions to your playground, catering to children with visual and hearing impairments.

Imaginative Themes

Enhance free play spaces with themed structures, such as castles, pirate ships, or outer space-themed equipment. Themes spark children's imaginations and encourage creative play. Educational themes, such as historical or science-based setups, can also inspire children to explore and learn.

Upgraded Playground Surfacing

A comfortable and even ground surface is essential to cushion falls and support children as they play and move around the playground. Consider upgrading to unitary surfacing, which provides a more even and fixed surface than loose-fill surfacing, requiring minimal maintenance.

Amenities

In addition to play equipment, consider adding amenities to make the playground a more welcoming and comfortable space for all. Benches, picnic tables, litter receptacles, and bike racks are great additions that support a positive playground experience for students and their caregivers.

Fitness Stations

While the playground equipment may be designed for students, consider adding adult fitness stations to encourage caregivers to stay active, too. Outdoor fitness equipment improves mental and physiological health and provides a free and convenient opportunity for exercise.

Signage

Add signs to your playground to display important information, such as open hours and rules. You can also use signage to designate age groups for different equipment sections and introduce fitness stations.

Frequently asked questions