Can Exercise Boost your GPA?

exercise college grade

A healthy body can most definitely lead to a sharper mind. If you are searching for ways to improve your college GPA, one sneaky way to really enhance your performance in school is by hitting the gym. 

Here are some of the major ways that exercise can help put a smile on your face the next time you enter your grades into your trusted college GPA calculator which show you how to calculate your college GPA.

Exercise helps fuel the brain 

In a study, scientists observed how the amount of exercise can impact the levels of glycogen in the brain. They did this research by testing mice. One group of mice enjoyed daily exercise while the other were leading sedentary lifestyles.  

The mice with regular physical activity showed much better overall performance. After the mice who were exercising got to rest and replenish their carbohydrates, they not only displayed replenished exercise, they their energy level actually increased. Those mice who exercised also experienced a surplus of glycogen stores to fuel activity in the brain, this resulted in improved cognitive performance. 

Glycogen levels returned to normal after about 24 hours. 

Exercise can actually help increase the size of the brain 

In another study carried out at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise can actually increase the size of the hippocampus. The hippocampus of the brain is responsible for both learning and verbal memory. Two things that are quite important when it comes to learning in class, studying and retaining information! 

Other studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex and temporal cortex (two areas of the brain that control memory and thinking) or those who get regular activity are larger than those who are sedentary. 

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It doesn’t take too long for changes to be made, either. Dr. Scott McGinnis at Harvard Medical School says that results can be seen after just about six months to a year of regular aerobic activity. 

Exercise can improve chemical balance 

The final major way that exercise can improve your GPA is that improved blood flow to the brain and development of new blood vessels, as well as increased glycogen stores and the release of chemicals that help maintain brain cell health, all work in tandem to help the brain function at its very best. It also works to help the creation and survival of new brain cells. 

As a college student, it is crucial that you do all you can to improve your chances of success in school. While showing up to class, taking diligent notes, studying and more are obviously crucial ingredients to getting great grades, it is important that you do not overlook maintaining other aspects of your life to be the best student you can be. 

Exercise plays a major role in mental and emotional health. After going over this brief list, there should be very little doubt that exercise can have a huge impact. Hopefully, this has convinced you to not only hit the books but hit the gym as well as your collegiate career continues. 

Good luck!