Classroom exercise breaks in Central South Carolina: 'It's not a well-oiled machine' but 'Kids are happy and productive'

Abstract

In order to comply with state physical activity policies and increase physical activity of students, schools have begun to implement classroom exercise breaks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of existing classroom exercise breaks in elementary schools in central South Carolina. Principals in elementary schools in central South Carolina were invited to participate in a brief online survey and phone interview about classroom exercise breaks. Principals reported varied types of classroom exercise breaks but described many benefits of exercise breaks including improved student behavior and attention. Providing resources and example activities, training teachers to implement breaks, and building communities of practice may increase the prevalence of classroom exercise breaks.