Classroom Physical Activity

Classroom physical activity is any physical activity done in the classroom.^1-4 It can take place at any time and occur in one or several brief periods during the school day.^1-4 It includes integrating physical activity into academic instruction as well as providing breaks from instruction specifically designed for physical activity.^1-4 Classroom physical activity should be offered in addition to physical education and recess and at all school levels (elementary, middle, and high school).

Classroom physical activity can benefit students by^1,5:

Improving their concentration and ability to stay on-task in the classroom.
Reducing disruptive behavior, such as fidgeting, in the classroom.
Improving their motivation and engagement in the learning process.
Helping to improve their academic performance (higher grades and test scores).
Increasing their amount of daily physical activity.

Classroom Physical Activity Data and Policy

Integrate Classroom Physical Activity in Schools pdf icon[PDF – 269 KB] —This data brief defines classroom physical activity, provides a snapshot of current classroom physical activity practices in the United States, and highlights ways to improve classroom physical activity through national guidance and practical strategies and resources.

Classroom Physical Activity Strategies

Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools cover image

Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools pdf icon[PDF – 9 MB]—This document describes 10 evidence-based strategies for promoting and planning for classroom physical activity.
Integrate Physical Activity in Schools: A Guide for Putting Strategies into Practice pdf icon[PDF – 4 MB]— This guide provides key questions and activities, along with practical templates that teachers and other champions can use to help them adopt, promote, enhance, or sustain the strategies identified in Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools.
Online Platform: Integrate Classroom Physical Activity in Schools external icon—This online platform provides a comprehensive look at the strategies identified in Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools. It includes key questions and activities, templates and tools, stories from the field that show how the strategies are being used in different states, and resources aligned with each of the recommended strategies.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept. of Health and Human Services; 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. MMWR 2011;60(RR05):1–76.
Institute of Medicine. Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2013.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Guide for Developing Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2013.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Academic Achievement. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2014.

Page last reviewed: May 29, 2019

Content source: Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion