WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS AND LEARNING?
DID YOU KNOW...
The brain does NOT store its own fuel or produce its own fuel. The brain relies on cardiovascular exercise to pump oxygenated blood to the brain giving it the oxygen and glucose needed for fuel. In fact, 20% of blood supply in the body is designated to the brain! In this way, the brain is dependant on the heart. The better the heart works, the better the brain works.
RESEARCH FAST FACTS....
Neurogenesis (new neurons) provides the brain more capacity to learn.
Exercise benefits the brain first and changes the brain at the molecular level.
Exercises that increase the heart rate and sustains the elevation put the brain and body back into balance and ready to learn!
Stimulation of the monoamine system (Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin) is dependent on exercise intensity. Cardiorespiratory exercise increases aerobic capacity more effectively than other forms of exercise....AND cardiorespiratory exercises are more effective at activating the BDNF signaling pathway.
HOW CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS AFFECTS OUR BRAIN.....
Aerobic exercise is just as important for your brain as they are for your heart. Aerobic exercise reduces levels of our body's stress such as adrenaline and cortisol by releasing endorphins, (our body's natural painkillers) which elevates our mood and helps our body to rest and relax.
Exercise helps the brain and the body go into a homeostatic state, balancing hormones, brain chemicals and system functions.
Neurogenesis provides the brain with a higher capacity to learn.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CLASSROOM.....
When students enter the classroom first thing in the morning their brain needs to be at an optimal state for learning. Aerobic exercises can help "reset" the brain to relieve any stress or anxiety a student might have encountered before coming to school. When a student is stressed out or their brain isn't concentrating on the lesson a teacher is teaching, chances are the student won't retain the information taught to them because their brain wasn't focused. An easy way to prepare the brain for learning are simple cardiovascular exercises. Some of the best times to incorporate a cardiovascular exercise are:
Before class begins to optimize the brain for learning.
When students are off task and need to refocus.
Before transitioning to a new lesson.
Before test taking.
When students are having a hard time remembering the information being taught to them.
By completing simple aerobic capacity exercises, the students are getting their heart rate up and feeding oxygen to their brain. Now students are balancing their mood and behavior, improving their memory, and organizing their brain to help with reading which helps with putting patterns into a sequence.
NEW - This is a body weight resistance rower, which is great for not only Cardiovascular but also building core strength critical for development!
This heavy duty rowing machine for youth, duplicates the exciting feel of Olympic rowing! The smooth, rhythmic, impact free motion, makes it easy and fun for children to work all the major muscle groups through a wide range of motion - Excellent for increasing and maintaining flexibility! Specially designed onboard computer prompts kids to acknowledge their calories, heart rate, speed, time and distance.
The NEW Elementary and Junior Rower can easily adjust for both elementary and middle school! The Elementary Rower has a red base. The Junior Rower has a purple base, as pictured below. The Varsity Rower for high school is blue.
Built tough for heavy usage in commercial settings (ideal for schools, youth centers, YMCA's, children's hospitals, children's museums, and pediatric facilities.) Ships pre-assembled, direct from manufacturer, & includes mfg direct extended warranty. Made in the USA brand, proud to manufacture the #1 most durable youth fitness equipment on the market. Designed with easy adjustability for tension and speed control- the shock can be mounted in one of two positions based on the user size and physical capability. Kid-friendly computer reads time, calories, speed & step count. Grips are designed with the child in mind, to withstand the expected wear and tear of everyday use. The grips and footplates are sized appropriately to accommodate varying sizes of the target user based on equipment size chosen. Adjustable shock settings for various physical capabilities. Resistance settings are designed to provide appropriate physical exertion levels for each target age group. All ABL Youth Fitness equipment is manufactured with a standard 250 lb weight limit, regardless of size/model purchased.