25/06/2025
What happens to a child’s brain after just 20 minutes of walking? 🧠
Dr. Chuck Hillman’s widely shared brain scans show a powerful contrast: one image after a child sits quietly, and another after 20 minutes of walking. The difference is dramatic. Blue areas represent low activity. Red/orange show high activity.
After walking, the brain lights up, especially in areas responsible for focus, memory, and executive function. This isn’t just about "getting the wiggles out." Movement actually prepares the brain for learning.
Hillman’s research found that physical activity boosts cognitive performance almost immediately. Children perform better on attention and memory tasks right after they move. Just 20 minutes of walking can improve focus and self-regulation.
Yet, we often operate under the misconception that children must sit still in order to learn. Stillness is praised, fidgeting is corrected, and movement is treated as a disruption. But neuroscience tells a different story: sitting still may actually suppress the brain activity needed for learning. By emphasizing quiet compliance, we may be unintentionally discouraging the very behaviors, like movement and play, that fuel thinking, focus, and growth.
But here’s the problem: kids today are sitting more than ever. Screen time is up, recess is down, and physical activity is often viewed as a break from learning, and not a part of it.
We need to shift that mindset.
Movement is essential for brain development. It strengthens the neural pathways that support learning, emotional regulation, and long-term academic success. And it doesn’t have to be complicated—nature walks, active play, and short movement breaks during the day all make a difference!
So get out there and move - EVERYONE! 🏃🏾🏃♀️🏃🏿♂️🏃🏻♀️
