We all know exercise is good for kids — but it goes far beyond staying fit or burning off energy. 

When children engage in strength-based physical activities, they aren’t just building muscles — they’re wiring and strengthening their brains.

This brain–body connection is deeply rooted in developmental neuroscience. 

Movement, especially when it requires coordination, balance, and resistance, stimulates the growth of neural networks, enhances cognitive function, and improves learning capacity.

Why Movement Builds the Brain

The brain and body develop together, particularly in early childhood. 

Physical activity stimulates the sensory and motor systems, which are foundational to higher-order thinking, attention, and emotional regulation.

1. Movement Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

BDNF is a protein that supports the growth, maturation, and maintenance of neurons. It plays a crucial role in learning and memory.

Exercise, especially strength and resistance training, has been shown to increase BDNF levels in both animals and humans (Rothman et al., 2018; Vaynman et al., 2004).

This helps children build stronger synaptic connections, which are the basis of learning new skills, behaviours, and academic content.

2. Activates the Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex

The cerebellum, known for its role in coordination and movement, is also involved in language, working memory, and attention (Koziol et al., 2014). 

Challenging movement like balancing, climbing, or crawling stimulates this brain region.

The prefrontal cortex, essential for focus, planning, and impulse control, is activated during purposeful and goal-directed movement (Best, 2010). 

Exercises that require attention and self-regulation (like Pilates or yoga) also strengthen executive function.

3. Supports Sensory Integration and Reflex Maturation

Many children with learning difficulties have retained primitive reflexes or underdeveloped motor systems. Movement and strength-building activities help:

• Integrate these reflexes (Goddard Blythe, 2005)

• Improve postural control (key for sitting still and focusing)

• Regulate the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, affecting sensory processing, emotional regulation, and attention

Strong Bodies = Strong Minds

Examples of muscle-building activities that are powerful for brain development:

• Animal walks (bear, crab, lizard) – support cross-lateral movement and core strength

• Heavy work (carrying backpacks, pushing laundry baskets) – engages proprioception and calms the nervous system

• Climbing and crawling – stimulates the cerebellum and builds bilateral coordination

• Pilates-based core exercises – activate deep stabilising muscles, improve focus, and support spinal alignment

• Resistance band play or isometric holds – grounding movement for older kids or neurodivergent children

Studies show that children who participate in physical activity improve executive function, working memory, and behavioural regulation (Hillman et al., 2009; Donnelly et al., 2016).

Real-Life Applications: For Kids with Learning Challenges

Children with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia often have disruptions in motor planning, reflex integration, and sensory processing. Targeted movement can help the brain rewire and regulate.

A 2017 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that children with ADHD who completed an 8-week physical training program improved in cognitive flexibility and inhibition.

Occupational therapists often use “heavy work” and resistance-based activities to calm the nervous system and prepare the brain for learning.

Programs like Pilates for children or structured developmental movement provide both neurological and muscular benefits in a playful format.

Helping your child build strength isn’t just a physical investment — it’s a cognitive one. Every push-up, crab walk, or balancing act isn’t just muscle-building… it’s brain-building.

If your child struggles with attention, learning, or regulation, don’t start with a worksheet - start with a movement program.

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