It is widely known that physical fitness has many benefits for students including improved mental health, widening their social circles, improved sleep, and building stronger bones and muscles. Physical fitness can also reduce anxiety and depression, as well as reduce the risk of developing health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity can also improve student academic performance, especially in reading and math. This is because physical activity improves executive function, which is linked to brain health and academic performance. On Monday, the students at Knik Charter School received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to increase their physical activity as they helped cut the ribbon on a brand new fitness center.