If You Want to Learn—Get Your Body Moving
January 28, 2008
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Anyone who jogs regularly will tell you that they feel sharper both emotionally and mentally after a run. But did you know that when you exercise, you are also pumping up your ability to learn, think creatively, and perform better in intellectually demanding situations?
According to a fascinating new book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” (John R. Ratey & Eric Hagerman, Little, Brown and Company, 2008), the science is in. Not only can exercise work at least as well as antidepressants to improve moods, it improves our ability to learn.
One 2007 study showed that participants learned vocabulary words 20% faster following exercise than they did before exercise. Another experiment in 2007 revealed that adults’ cognitive flexibility improved after one 35- minute treadmill session at a moderate pace.
What do these finding mean for teachers, trainers, and other HR professionals?
1. Participants in a training situation aren’t learning with their heads alone. If they don’t get a chance to move, their learning is hindered.
2. Take frequent breaks in any learning situation.
3. Encourage out-of-class physical activity.
4. Make training active—get people out of their chairs and doing something relevant!
Interested in learning more about how to make training active? Contact Guila Muir (guilamuir.com) You can also call her at 206 725-1994.
Read more articles about Presentation Skills. Learn about Guila Muir’s Presentation Skills Workshops or Individual Coaching.
Guila Muir is the premiere trainer of trainers, facilitators, and presenters on the West Coast of the United States. Since 1994, she has helped thousands of professionals improve their training, facilitation, and presentation skills. Find out how she can help transform you from a boring expert to a great presenter: www.guilamuir.com
© 2007 Guila Muir. All rights reserved.
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