Physical Activity Promotes Academic Achievement and a Healthy Lifestyle when Incorporated into Early Childhood Education

The detrimental effects of physical inactivity within children have enormous personal health consequences. These health conditions have the potential to impact the economic vitality of society as a whole. Studies have indicated that inactive children are far more likely to suffer from obesity, type II diabetes, and hypertension than their physically active peers. Research also indicates that these health problems tend to follow the individual into adulthood. Seventy percent of obese adolescents will become obese adults (Reilly, 2007). In addition to the health benefits of physical activity, physical activity has also been positively correlated to academic achievement when integrated into early childhood educational programs. This paper will primarily review the evidence that demonstrates the positive influence of physical activity on academic achievement in early childhood education. This paper will further provide basic guidelines for developing an early childhood education program.