Physical activity promotes learning, study capabilities and wellbeing

By increasing movement and physical activity, we can ensure that our students are well, maintain their study capabilities and learn in the best possible way.
Opiskelijat pelaavat pihalla koripalloa
Photo: Laura Oja

Why do we encourage students to be more physically active during their studies?

Studies show that, on average, students spend nearly 70% of their waking hours sitting. 75% of young people who have quit a hobby in a sports club would like to start their hobby again, and 75% of upper secondary education students would like to be more physically active. We also know that physical activity and increasing it in daily life support the student’s wellbeing and study capabilities – and, in turn, their learning. This is why we at the City of Helsinki want to get our upper secondary education students moving more as part of their study day and on leisure time.

Through cooperation between the school and the student’s home, we are helping our young people be more active and healthier in accordance with the national physical activity recommendations (UKK Institute):

Ages 7–17

  • At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day
  • Physical activity that considerably increases the heart rate and frequency of breathing three times a week
  • Physical activity that strengthens the muscles and the bones three times a week

Ages 18–64 

  • Muscle fitness and body control twice a week
  • Vigorous physical activity for 1 h 15 minutes a week or moderate physical activity for 2 hours 30 minutes a week
  • Light physical activity as often as possible, breaks from inactivity whenever possible and enough restorative sleep

See the UKK Institute's physical activity recommendation in more detail

We encourage young people to increase physical activity in their leisure time

Physical activity during leisure time enables the young person to express themselves through an enjoyable hobby. That can also open a path to social interaction with others. At its best, physical activity during leisure time creates and maintains friendships. An enjoyable physical activity helps recovering from the daily challenges and provides a good balance for studies. When the young person improves their physical condition in their leisure time, their study capabilities and mental resources for studies improve as well. 

Bringing up physical activity at educational institutions

Physical activity can be a sensitive topic of discussion, but there is no need to avoid talking about it. At schools, physical activity is brought up with a low threshold by using the model of the City of Helsinki. In the model, a student welfare worker charts the student’s relationship with physical activity through a short series of questions. The purpose is to refer the student to the school’s physical activity coach. Together, they can find an enjoyable and motivating form of physical activity for the student.  

Physical activity coaches in Helsinki

General upper secondary schools

Helsinki Vocational College, Stadin AO

Project to strengthen safety

Opiskelijat voimistelevat
Photo: Maija Astikainen

Background material

See the City of Helsinki’s slide show and research review for more information about the promotion of physical activity.

Parents’ evening slides – promoting physical activity (PDF, in Finnish)

The file is inaccessible. The material of the slides is provided in an accessible form in the text above.

Research sources