Exercise before exam improves student performance

Andrew Sandoval

Mesa Legend

College students often have to struggle through a test, cramming the night before; nerves and second thoughts can get the better of many.  The pressure that is coupled with an exam is a problem faced by many people, and some have taken to creating solutions that may aid them in their effort to succeed.   From flash cards and associative memory practices to attempting to cram everything in moments before a test.   Some techniques work, some don’t depending on the individual, though there could be some that are more effective than others.

There is no one solution to any problem but the optimal solution (besides studying), might not be located in the brain.  A lot of people already work out daily, it is part of their routine and many more want to incorporate it into their own.  Asked about their workout habits and if they had noticed any correlation between their test taking skills and workouts, most students seem to lean in the same direction, on the idea that working out before taking a test can help alleviate many of the pressures and anxiety that it may bring.

Cartoon of a brain doing exercise versus a monkey watching TV
Illustration by Sebastian Miguel

You can relax you muscles and clear you mind after a nice yoga class, while running and other cardiovascular activity can increase the secretion of endorphins the chemical in the body responsible for feelings of euphoric energy allowing you to focus and have more confidence in your answers.  One student-Abel Martinez said, “When I work out before a test I feel calm and have a clear mind, which allows me to process the information I want and keep the clutter out.” When asked how he felt when he was unable to work out before a test he responded, “Working out is a part of my daily routine so to not do it would be weird but if for some reason I hadn’t had the chance. I would feel completely frustrated and anxious, I would just feel off.”

A few other students responded similarly in saying that they feel less pressure and more confident when they work out a few hours before a test. One woman claimed that she needed at least an hour a day just to function properly, let alone take a test. So it would seem that working out before a test is one remedy to the pre, mid and post-test jitters.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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