Rather than burning the midnight oil for good grades try hitting the gym. A new research by the Michigan State University shows that students who are active members of fitness centers and take part in sports have higher grade point averages.
Researchers found that students with such memberships also stayed longer in school. An increase of 3.5 percent in two-year retention rates was seen among this group.
The study team led by James Pivarnik, a professor of kinesiology and epidemiology at MSU, assessed data from a sample of 4,843 freshmen and sophomores. The data was compared to the GPAs of those who purchased a fitness facility membership and those who did not.
Their analysis showed after four consecutive semesters, the students with memberships got higher cumulative GPAs. They also had more credits completed by the end of their first year in college.
"We found that these students' cumulative GPAs were 0.13 points higher," Pivarnik said in a press release. "Although this number may not appear to be significant, in the end, that amount could mean the difference to those students on the cusp of getting into graduate school or even advancing to the next academic year."
The study results also showed that 74 percent of those with memberships successfully gained their sophomore status compared to only 60 percent of those without memberships.
"These results provide a compelling argument to universities that a higher student retention rate could be enhanced just by having adequate recreational and fitness facilities for students."
The findings of the study further strengthen the previous theories that say creating an environment that connects students to an institution results in an increase in academic success and more retention.
"The results of this study are important because not only are we retaining more students, but we're retaining those that have higher GPAs which is good for everyone," Pivarnik said.
The study was published in the Recreational Sports Journal.
