The benefits to regular physical activity are well-documented. It probably won’t surprise you to hear things like Improved body composition, decreased risk of certain diseases, and longer life expectancy when discussing exercise, but research is now starting to uncover other benefits of physical activity.

Better Sleep

A research study from Oregon State University asked participants to have at least 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity for 7 days. Afterwards, participants that met these requirements were then asked 20 sleep related questions. What researchers found were that those participants that met the requirements reported better ratings on in numerous areas including having more energy during the day, better ability to concentrate when tired, and having an easier time falling asleep.

Improved Memory

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Having the best sleep ever doesn’t write my mid-terms or my papers Devin”. And you would be right; However, sleep and exercise are both associated with improvements in memory tasks and cognition which do affect those things.

In one study, participants’ working memory was assessed before, during, and after 15 min of moderate intensity activity on a stationary bike. Researchers found that those participants who performed physical activity had higher scores on working memory tests and had faster response times than those who did not. These results suggest that exercise can have positive affects with even lower doses and intensities of exercise and that affect can happen almost immediately.

Physical and Mental ‘Gainz’

In student life it is common for physical activity to take a back seat to our studies. Any gym rat can tell you that when regular exercise is stopped, the body loses a lot of it’s “GAINZ”, but what this research suggests is that if we continue to be physically active during times where our cognition and mental acuity are important, we can actually improve our ability to study and keep our gainz bro!– it’s a win-win! So next time you are cramming for an exam, try working some physical activity into your study sessions. Your physical and mental health will be better off and so will your marks!

Sport and Wellness has several options to keep you active and help your physical and mental performance while at MacEwan. Your student, staff or public membership includes access to the fitness centre, pool, gymnasium, free and discounted aquatic and fitness classes, and personal training or swimming lessons with highly trained professionals.

  1. Paul D. Loprinzi, Bradley J. Cardinal. Association between objectively-measured physical activity and sleep, NHANES 2005–2006. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 2011; 4 (2): 65 DOI: 1016/j.mhpa.2011.08.001
  2. Hogan, Candice L., Jutta Mata, and Laura L. Carstensen. “Exercise Holds Immediate Benefits for Affect and Cognition in Younger and Older Adults.” Psychology and aging2 (2013): 587–594. PMC. Web. 8 Sept. 2018.