The academic demands of school usually stifle any time which may be devoted to leisure, family and physical activity. Most students have often found themselves so overwhelmed with assignments and lessons that they feel that their entire life has been collapsed into one bundle of academic activities. This gnawing perception eats away at thier "joie de vivre".  Ironically, in the practice of a balanced and temperate life, it is important to (in the same way that we make time for work) to make time for play. Get off the work train now and do something fun; something which requires less thinking. After all,

“All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”

Physical activity is essential for health and general well-being. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Persons who are active tend to outlive those who are inactive. In recent times, lifestyle diseases have permeated all generations, young, old and middle aged. Unprecedented cases of cancers are being discovered.  Diabetes and blood diseases are being diagnosed in persons during their youth while obesity has spiralled out of control.

A member of the NCU Fitness Centre demonstrates how to properly lift weights

With obesity at an all time high, schools and universities alike are encouraging students to take part in activities that require physical activity, be it in the form of exercise or sports or by simply walking around campus instead of driving. Some schools are even outfitted with their own fitness centres providing students with an opportunity to use their facilities free of charge. Today, campuses that are conscious about health and fitness issues emphasize the importance of physical education by ensuring that students are constantly taking part in different sporting activities and functions. This results in the sharpening of students' cognitive and motor skills via athletics, exercise and other physical activities.

 An online article from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), shares an alarming statistic from the British Government. In 2007, the Government-commissioned Foresight report predicted that if no action was taken, 60 per cent of men, 50 per cent of women and 25 per cent of children would be obese by 2050; the actual figures are rising ahead of the forecast rate.

Between 1993 and 2008, there has been a marked increase in the proportion of people who were obese, reaching 24 per cent of men and 25 per cent of women in 2008. The picture is just as worrying for youngsters.Obesity rates were 17 per cent in 2008 among boys, and 15 per cent in 2008 among girls. It was predicted that by 2010, 22 per cent of girls and 19 per cent of boys between the ages of 2 and 15 will be obese, with girls under 11 at particular risk. Obesity is responsible for 9,000 premature deaths a year in the United Kingdom, and is a major contributing factor to heart disease.

Physical Activity increases academic performance

The crux of the matter is that physical activity actually increases your sharpness and academic performance.

In fall 2007, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released a research about the relationship between physical education, physical activity, and academic performance in schools across the United States. The findings of the research showed that

“Students whose time in Physical Education or school-based physical activity was increased maintained or improved their grades and scores on standardized achievement tests, even though they received less classroom instructional time than students in controled groups.”

A staff member from the Department of Communications Studies shares her workout routine during a recent fitness demonstration 

Good for the Body and Mind

Exercise benefits the body and mind. Students who are physically active tend to be more alert, optimistic and witty. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals such as endorphins- chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly. This will in turn boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

Finally, as we constantly strive to reflect the character of Christ; the body is the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us of the temple in the Old Testament.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; vs.20: you were bought at a price.  Therefore honour God with your body."