Psychological, Emotional, and Psychological, Emotional, and Cognitive Effects of ExerciseCognitive Effects of Exercise

Adapted from Smith& Hege-Adapted from Smith& Hege-Hickory Parks and RecreationHickory Parks and Recreation

Sedentary AmericaSedentary AmericaSeventy-five percent of Americans do Seventy-five percent of Americans do not even get the recommended 30 not even get the recommended 30 minutes a day of exerciseminutes a day of exerciseOver the last 25 years, the obesity Over the last 25 years, the obesity rate has risen dramaticalyrate has risen dramaticalyProlonged sitting (inactivity) has Prolonged sitting (inactivity) has profound negative metabolic and profound negative metabolic and psychological psychological

Exercise and the brainExercise and the brain

Exercise raises self-confidence (mastery) Exercise raises self-confidence (mastery) and allows one to manage stress more and allows one to manage stress more efficientlyefficiently

Significant brain chemistry changes Significant brain chemistry changes following aerobic exercisefollowing aerobic exercise

– Increased endorphinsIncreased endorphins– Increased blood flow to brainIncreased blood flow to brain– Increased brain-derived neurotropic factor Increased brain-derived neurotropic factor

(BDNF)(BDNF)– MB! (Mitochondrial biogenesis) (next slide)MB! (Mitochondrial biogenesis) (next slide)

Exercise and the brain Exercise and the brain (2012 USC Study)(2012 USC Study)

Exercise and MoodExercise and MoodAPA Monitor article (Dec 2011)APA Monitor article (Dec 2011)Exercise is a potent mood-elevatorExercise is a potent mood-elevatorIt can be used as a part of a It can be used as a part of a depression or anxiety treatment plandepression or anxiety treatment planRoutine exercise, even in low doses, Routine exercise, even in low doses, improves mood and cognitive improves mood and cognitive functionfunction

How to get people to exerciseHow to get people to exercise

How to encourage/promote How to encourage/promote exerciseexercise

Make it an Make it an integratedintegrated part of our life part of our life

Instant Recess (at work, in schools, in Instant Recess (at work, in schools, in churches, etc.)churches, etc.)

Make the immediate benefits clearMake the immediate benefits clear

Make P.E. really about exercise (next Make P.E. really about exercise (next slide)slide)

Positive models:Positive models:Naperville District 203Naperville District 203

Zero Hour PE, developed by Phil Lawler, a Zero Hour PE, developed by Phil Lawler, a Junior High P.E. teacherJunior High P.E. teacher

The mission is to teach fitness, not sportsThe mission is to teach fitness, not sports

The district consistently ranks among the The district consistently ranks among the statestate’’s top ten academically in Illinoiss top ten academically in Illinois

Their P.E. program is a model for everyone Their P.E. program is a model for everyone and teaches the positives of physical and teaches the positives of physical fitness for everyonefitness for everyone