How Exercise Makes you Smarter and a Better Student

Everyone knows the health benefits of regular exercise, but it will also help improve your grades. Regular exercise will make you a better student by teaching you to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Any form of regular exercise (meaning not necessarily at elite or competitive levels) will provide you tremendous benefits in studying, discipline, and your studies overall.

If you're having trouble sticking with an exercise routine, try changing your emphasis and reasons for exercise. While weight loss and better health are excellent long term goals, they may not be as motivational and successful in getting you to the gym as short term benefits such as more energy, improved mood, and decreased stress.

Leave a comment below on what your chosen method of exercise is. I love cycling and weight training, but I also occasionally go running or hiking. If you don’t regularly exercise right now, how are you going to incorporate exercise into your life moving forward?

Here are the three studies I mention in the video:

[matthorgz]

I started working out 4 months ago. I saw lots of improvement in discipline and I generally felt like a better person. My body felt better and I have confidence now. I also improved my grades in school to straight A’s. I feel more control over myself. That is why I recommend to all of y’all that read this comment to get up from the couch and start working out. Exercise at least 3-5 days a week. Every exercise day = 2 hours

[TheXiaoyy]

I use to run whenever I'm stressed. But I now run almost everyday, because I'm just so use to it. It's like if I don't eat today, I'll be hungry, and if I don't run today, I'll be tired.

[emelyamaya]

Me being here because of my PE teacher

[edmalintuban]

I do a 30-minute jog or 15-minute home workout before going to school. It boosts my energy and makes me feel productive. It needs to be done in the morning, because I tend to get lazy during the afternoon/night.

[LoseControlForDeath]

my motivation is a healthy lifestyle and i exercise 6 times a week, dropped alcohol almost completely from binge drinking, i don't eat junk food no more and i gradually feel better with myself in every aspect of my life, a healthy lifestyle is goddamn amazing

[mirandatate]

If I lived close to a mountain, I would hike all day, everyday. But for now, I just like working on the elliptistrider.

[jvall]

I feel so much more focused when I exercise regularly.

[TheOneZepphyr]

I'm so glad your channel is quickly achieving more and more notoriety as it very well deserves. Keep up the quality videos, Jay. I look forward to being notified whenever a new video is released! Pre-med is a difficult journey, but your videos make it all the more enjoyable and manageable. Thank you for your help and encouragement.

[rebeccamardis]

Your videos are THE BEST. I used to compete as a dancer and it has helped me to be more confident and learn to enjoy the pain of the process.

The discipline skills I learned in my time as a competitive dancer have spilled over into my studies and my current workout routine! I mostly lift weights (leg day ftw!) and do cardio.

[kamalhm-dev]

Running and bodyweight fitness is my go to training methods! This is a great video, keep it up!

[crazyspaceships]

Thanks for the awesome video Jay :)
I would love to see a video on how to take notes in class. Either I always have an empty sheet on the end of the class or one which is not needed, since the slides contain the same information.

[mgn_tr.i]

I used to be on my high school/college rowing team, but now I'm starting to get into triathlon (swim/bike/run). I've always found it motivating for me to stay on an exercise routine when I have the mindset of competitive athletics. Hopefully, these habits will stick in medical school!

[InTheMomment]

I am trying to make some healthy changes to my life. I WANT to change so bad. I find myself watching too much TV, isolating myself from friends, and not taking advantage of my down time. I really make me want to start using my time more efficiently. Keep up the great work.

[TheStefif]

I wish I had your wonderful, information-packed, refreshing videos 4 years ago when I was in school! thank you! I still watch them and learn tons. I know, I'm a hopeless nerd lol

[joeljilson]

Your youtube channel is growing extremely fast! Keep up the good work, this channel is going to be big someday!

[rachelboixadera]

I go for runs. I'm supposed to go once or twice a week but I think I haven't been for almost two weeks for various reasons. Thanks for the reminder :)

[computergrant]

First off, I love your videos and am glad I found you! I started exercising 4 months ago, plus eating healthier. I lift weights and walk over 2 miles. As the prior comment, it actually does feel odd not exercising or if I go off the path and eat junk food. Thank you for your time and videos!

[IM.MEDICAL]

Yup, couldn't agree more! As an ex-professional swimmer myself and as a person who regularly exercises on a daily basis i can guarantee you that exercising does help you learn faster and retain better. Headed to the gym right now. Good luck and exercise away

[ironman]

I'm in physical therapy school and it's difficult to exercise everyday, but I can still work out three days a week. Weightlifting is what I choose. Not only have I always loved lifting weights but I also feel like if a person only has time for one exercise activity, lifting weights is most beneficial overall. It will improve strength, increase bone density, increase your metabolism and help you burn fat, has multiple cardiovascular benefits, and specifically has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which is a must for those trying to ward off type 2 diabetes....Great video btw, keep it up!👍

[bdb]

I couldn’t agree more on everything you’ve said in this video. I started going to the gym about 9 months ago (after many years of being completely sedentary) because I desperately needed a quick fix solution to my anxiety and insomnia issues without having to start taking medication for it. Only about a month or so after I started, my anxiety level improved drastically and so did the quality of my sleep but I was surprised as to how much it positively affected other aspects of my life as well. My go to workout is HIIT on the stairmaster :)