Journal of Political Economy Vol. 134 No. 1 2026
Exercise Improves Academic Performance
open access
Abstract
In a randomized controlled trial, we test whether removal of a barrier to exercise can improve academic performance.We find strong support for this hypothesis: university students who were provided with a free gym card exercised more and had a significant improvement in academic performance.The treated students were both less likely to drop out of classes and to fail at the exam.We provide evidence showing that exercise caused a healthier lifestyle and increased perceived self-control, which ultimately improved academic performance.The study demonstrates that removing barriers to physical activity can be an important tool for improving educational achievements.
- DOI
- 10.1086/738251
- Volume
- 134
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 397-434
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref