How exercise strengthens the mind and improves learning

 By Ria Uiterloo - Stichting EGO — Healthy Schools build healthy communities

October 9, 2025

During the preparation of our Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities project in 2023, our team delved into the inspiring research of Dutch neuropsychologist Professor Erik Scherder. His studies showed that movement is not just beneficial for physical health, it also strengthens the brain, improving students’ performance in math and language.

Yesterday, we came across the YouTube video “Exercise for Better Grades in School”,  and it confirmed exactly what Scherder has been teaching for years: the more children move, the better their brains learn.

 

The science behind movement and learning

Professor Scherder, known for making neuroscience accessible to everyone, explains that physical activity activates the same brain areas used for attention, planning, and language. Movement increases blood flow, stimulates neural growth, and keeps the brain flexible, all essential for learning.

“The brain thrives on movement,” says Scherder. “It keeps the mind young”. He emphasizes that exercise improves blood flow to the brain, activates brain networks, making people smarter, more focused, and more creative.

Research in Dutch schools echoes this. Children who engage in daily movement, even short activity breaks such as energizers, show improved focus, behavior, and academic performance. Exercise stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that supports concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving.

In other words: moving more helps children think better.

 

Math, language, and motor skills — A powerful connection

The relationship between movement and learning runs deep. Studies by Scherder and his colleagues found clear links between children’s motor skills (like balance and coordination) and their academic results.

Fine motor skills (such as writing, drawing, and manipulating objects) are strongly connected to early language and numeracy development. When children move, they’re training not only their muscles — but also the neural pathways that make learning possible.

This insight shifts our perspective: movement isn’t a pause from learning; it’s part of learning itself.

The video “Exercise for Better Grades in School” beautifully illustrates this idea. It shows how simple daily activities, walking, playing, stretching, dancing, can boost classroom performance. Our Afternoon Schools are movement-based programs where children enjoy sports, play, and performing arts, all contributing to their holistic growth and well-being. Responses of a survey for teachers, youth leaders and parents share stories of improved focus and happier, more confident students.

Brain scans and research visuals in the video demonstrate what Scherder describes in his lectures: exercise increases activity in brain regions essential for learning, leading to better outcomes in math and reading.

At Stichting EGO, we see this research as a call to action. Through our Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities program, we are integrating movement into everyday school life. From exercise sessions to active learning games, we’re helping children discover that movement, play and learning can be joyful and active.

Small, consistent steps make a big difference:

• Short movement breaks (energizers) between lessons
• Outdoor learning walks and nature play (we have created a trail with medical students of the American University of the Caribbean, School of medicine with QR code assignments)
• Active (outdoor) math and spelling games that mix movement with problem-solving
• Collaboration with PE teachers and community partners to expand physical literacy

Each initiative contributes to healthier, happier, and more focused learners, and to stronger communities.

 Both Professor Scherder’s research and Dr Edmond Cleeman’s Exercise for Better Grades video highlight the same truth: movement is essential for both mental and academic well-being.

“An active body creates an active brain, and an active brain creates a better society.” Prof. Erik Scherder

By reconnecting movement and learning, we can nurture not only smarter students, but also more balanced, resilient, and joyful children.

At Stichting EGO, we continue to champion this holistic approach — because healthy schools build healthy communities.

Watch the video: Exercise for Better Grades in School
Learn more about Prof. Erik Scherder’s work: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Neuropsychology