What if we told you that the secret to improving student learning might be as simple as swapping out the typical classroom desk for something more dynamic?
Picture this: instead of students sitting still for hours on end, hunched over a desk, they’re pedaling away on exercise bikes while reading or solving problems.
This might sound like a gimmick, but the impact is far more profound than you could imagine.
At Ward Elementary in North Carolina, the introduction of the “Read and Ride” program has not only helped students stay active throughout the day but also significantly boosted their academic performance.
Over the past five years, this innovative approach has proven that exercise and learning can go hand in hand. But the benefits go beyond just staying active.
The program has shown that integrating physical activity into a student’s learning routine can lead to higher test scores and better overall academic achievement.
The results are striking:
students who spent the most time on exercise bikes saw an 83% proficiency rate in reading, while those who used the bikes the least were scoring as low as 41%.
This isn’t just another trend in education.
It’s a groundbreaking move backed by science, designed to address the health concerns associated with hours of sitting while also enhancing cognitive function and learning capacity.
So, how is this changing the game for both students and teachers?
The Hidden Dangers of Sitting All Day
Let’s take a step back and consider something we all take for granted: the act of sitting. Whether it’s during a long office day or the six-plus hours kids spend in school classrooms, sitting has become the norm for most of us.
But what if we told you sitting might be one of the most damaging things we can do to our bodies?
The health risks of prolonged sitting are now well-documented: it’s linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even early death.
So, when we talk about sedentary behavior, it’s easy to focus on the adults at work—but what about the kids?
Here’s the reality: children are spending an increasing amount of time sitting still for prolonged periods, whether it’s during lessons, assignments, or even lunch.
Over 10 years of schooling, the average child sits down for at least 6 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Add up those years, and that’s over 10,000 hours spent sedentary, not counting homework time at home.
When we think of addressing this issue, most of us immediately picture office workers making the switch to standing desks or taking brief walking breaks every hour.
But the question remains: how do we tackle this in schools, where the focus is primarily on academics rather than physical well-being?
The answer might lie in incorporating movement directly into the learning environment, as seen at Ward Elementary.
The “Read and Ride” Program: A Creative Solution to a Growing Problem
At Ward Elementary, the solution is simple yet brilliant: exercise bikes.
For the past five years, Ward Elementary has replaced traditional desks with stationary bikes, allowing students to engage their legs while they read, take notes, or work on assignments.
And the results speak for themselves.
According to a study done at the school, students who participated in the Read and Ride program and spent more time riding while studying saw a remarkable improvement in their academic performance.
These students boasted an 83% proficiency in reading, significantly outperforming their peers who had minimal exposure to the program, who showed just 41% proficiency. So what’s happening here?
How does pedaling a bike while reading actually enhance learning?
The Science Behind Learning and Physical Activity
It turns out that the integration of movement while learning isn’t just a fun gimmick—it’s grounded in science.
When we engage in physical activity, our brains release endorphins, also known as the “feel-good” hormones, which improve mood, focus, and cognitive function.
Studies have shown that moderate physical activity can increase blood flow to the brain, improving memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
In the case of Ward Elementary, the exercise bikes create a dynamic learning environment.
Students are not only engaged with the material at hand but also get to release any frustration they may have about reading or assignments through physical activity.
It’s a kind of kinesthetic learning, where students actively move as they absorb information.
Scott Ertl, the educator behind the program, has witnessed firsthand the positive effects on students.
He told Fast Company, “Riding exercise bikes makes reading fun for many kids who get frustrated when they read.
They have a way to release that frustration they feel while they ride.”
By allowing students to burn off energy and frustration on a bike, they are able to focus more effectively on their academic tasks.
This reduces feelings of restlessness and helps them retain information more effectively.
A Shift in Classroom Dynamics: Reward or Routine?
Not every school has the resources to outfit an entire classroom with exercise bikes, but that doesn’t mean the idea is out of reach.
Some schools have taken a more modular approach, introducing just one or two bikes into the classroom and using them as a reward system.
Students who perform well or show improvement in behavior and focus can be given the opportunity to ride the bike during reading time.
This gives students something to look forward to, while also encouraging a more active lifestyle.
In fact, many schools are finding creative ways to incorporate more physical activity throughout the day, whether through standing desks, movement breaks, or using exercise bikes as an incentive for good behavior.
But the results from Ward Elementary show that this isn’t just about “getting the wiggles out” for kids; it’s about enhancing learning in ways that traditional desks can’t.
The combination of active learning and physical exercise creates an optimal environment for academic growth.
Expanding the Read and Ride Program: From One School to 30
Since the inception of the Read and Ride program, Ward Elementary’s success has sparked interest from other schools across the U.S.
The program has expanded to 30 schools, each bringing the concept to their own classrooms.
These schools are seeing similar benefits, with students more engaged and performing better academically.
One of the key takeaways here is that small changes in the classroom environment—like replacing desks with exercise bikes—can have big impacts on how students interact with their education.
It’s a reminder that education isn’t just about what students learn; it’s also about how they learn and what conditions help them thrive.
How Schools Are Adapting to New Realities
While the cost of outfitting an entire school with exercise bikes may be prohibitive for some districts, there are other ways to promote physical activity within the classroom.
Schools across the nation are exploring alternative seating options, such as balance balls, stability chairs, or standing desks, to give students a chance to stay active without sacrificing their focus.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating more movement breaks throughout the day.
Research has shown that even short bursts of physical activity—such as a 5-minute walk or stretch—can help improve focus and productivity.
This shift is part of a broader trend where schools are recognizing that health and wellness are directly tied to academic success.
Conclusion: A Revolution in Education?
The Read and Ride program at Ward Elementary is more than just a creative idea—it’s a tangible solution to some of the most pressing issues facing education today.
As we continue to understand the connection between physical activity and learning, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sitting still for long hours isn’t conducive to success, especially for children.
By embracing the idea of active learning, schools are not only improving the physical health of their students but are also enhancing their ability to learn, focus, and retain information.
The future of education may very well lie in combining movement with academics, and Ward Elementary’s experiment may be the start of a larger movement that changes how classrooms function across the world.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is simple: learning doesn’t have to be sedentary.
By rethinking the structure of the classroom, we can create an environment where students not only excel academically but also stay healthy and engaged.
The potential for a more dynamic, active approach to education is limitless—and as the success of the Read and Ride program shows, the results speak for themselves.
