By Andrew S. and Jon H.
More activities, better grades, and a load of fun! Robin Ducey, Family One’s Family Leader, has put into practice a theory that shows a direct relationship between increased physical activity and a better ability to learn.
John J. Ratey, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, continued research in his book called Spark about the relationship between exercise and, emotional stability and ability to learn.
Ducey, in a letter to Family One parents said, “Certain levels of fitness increase life expectancy and provide many benefits for adults… exercise, especially with children and teenagers, improves learning capacity, lifts moods and reduces stress.”
Ratey’s book referenced an experiment in which a physical education teacher, Neil Duncan set up an exercise experiment. Duncan handed out black chest straps along with digital watches, heart monitors-the same monitors used by professional athletes to measure the effectiveness of their exercise.
Ducey, after reading about this experiment, was inspired to institute more exercise time for Family One while they wear heart monitors to see the relationship between physical activity and mental clarity. Family One looks at it as kind of a perk, being that they get to have more gym time. If the experiment goes well, Ducey hopes to make more physical activity time available for all families.
Students are trained to find their designated heart rate and then are asked to stay in that zone for 20 to 30 minutes.
Family One’s parents and students are supportive of the experiment.
Sean S.’s parents recently donated a PS2 accompanied with the game Dance Dance Revolution for students to use in combination with their heart monitors. Almost all of the Family One’s parents have bought their son or daughter a heart monitor.
Family One students have seen changes in their everyday lives since they started participating in this experiment.
Ethan M., in reply to how things have improved since wearing the heart monitor, said, “It helps me pay attention and focus more in class.” Dan C. said, “I see a great improvement in my mood.” Georgia P. said with the help of the heart monitor, “I try to stay at my maximum heart rate which helps me to work out more.”
Family One, is grateful to be part of this fun filled experiment.
