Physical activity promotes learning, study capabilities and wellbeing

Lead-in paragraph

By increasing movement and physical activity, we can ensure that our students are well, maintain their study capabilities and learn in the best possible way.

Opiskelijat pelaavat pihalla koripalloa — Photo: Laura Oja

Why do we encourage students to be more physically active during their studies?

Studies show that, on average, students spend nearly 70% of their waking hours sitting. 75% of young people who have quit a hobby in a sports club would like to start their hobby again, and 75% of upper secondary education students would like to be more physically active. We also know that physical activity and increasing it in daily life support the student’s wellbeing and study capabilities – and, in turn, their learning. This is why we at the City of Helsinki want to get our upper secondary education students moving more as part of their study day and on leisure time.

Through cooperation between the school and the student’s home, we are helping our young people be more active and healthier in accordance with the national physical activity recommendations (UKK Institute):

Ages 7–17

At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day
Physical activity that considerably increases the heart rate and frequency of breathing three times a week
Physical activity that strengthens the muscles and the bones three times a week

Ages 18–64

Muscle fitness and body control twice a week
Vigorous physical activity for 1 h 15 minutes a week or moderate physical activity for 2 hours 30 minutes a week
Light physical activity as often as possible, breaks from inactivity whenever possible and enough restorative sleep

See the UKK Institute's physical activity recommendation in more detail(Link leads to external service)

We encourage young people to increase physical activity in their leisure time

Physical activity during leisure time enables the young person to express themselves through an enjoyable hobby. That can also open a path to social interaction with others. At its best, physical activity during leisure time creates and maintains friendships. An enjoyable physical activity helps recovering from the daily challenges and provides a good balance for studies. When the young person improves their physical condition in their leisure time, their study capabilities and mental resources for studies improve as well.

Bringing up physical activity at educational institutions

Physical activity can be a sensitive topic of discussion, but there is no need to avoid talking about it. At schools, physical activity is brought up with a low threshold by using the model of the City of Helsinki. In the model, a student welfare worker charts the student’s relationship with physical activity through a short series of questions. The purpose is to refer the student to the school’s physical activity coach. Together, they can find an enjoyable and motivating form of physical activity for the student.

How can I support my young person’s physical activity as their guardian?

You can support the young person’s physical activity in many ways.

Encourage and motivate them to be physically active. Be patient and encourage the young person to find their own way of being physically active. Do not force – facilitate instead.
Sometimes less is more. The young person has a great study load, so even small acts of physical activity, such as walking and outdoor activities, make a difference. Take small steps forward.
Set an example – be physically active together. Shared activities have power and joy.
Know that physical activity and wellbeing have an effect on the young person’s study capabilities and, ultimately, learning. Through physical activity, you are helping the young person in their studies as well.
Do not hesitate to ask for support and tips for physical activity. The school’s physical activity coach can provide you with support and advice for promoting physical activity as well. You can find their contact details in the next section and on the school website.

Physical activity coaches get people moving at general upper secondary schools and Stadin AO

The general upper secondary schools of Helsinki and Helsinki Vocational College, Stadin AO employ physical activity coaches. Their job is to support diverse physical activity by encouraging independent exercise and increasing everyday activity.

The physical activity coaches provide

shared exercise sessions during breaktimes, opportunities to try different sports, events and club activities
individual and small group guidance for students needing more intensive support
support for starting physical activity and promoting wellbeing.

All students of the general upper secondary schools of Helsinki and Stadin AO are welcome to the free-of-charge activities.

Learn more about the activities of the physical activity coaches on the dedicated page or see the coaches’ contact details by location below.

Read more about the activities of the physical activity coaches (page in Finnis…

Physical activity coaches in Helsinki

General upper secondary schools

Kallio Upper Secondary School of Performing Arts and Helsingin Kuvataidelukio: Vilma Mankonen tel. +358 40 480 7674
Alppila Upper Secondary School and Konepaja Upper Secondary School: Johanna Nakari tel. +358 40 663 1824
Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Media Arts: Ville Parkkulainen tel. +358 40 589 2175
Mäkelänrinne Upper Secondary School and Sibelius-lukio Upper Secondary School: Jami Laaksonen tel. +358 40 549 7962
Gymnasiet Lärkan Upper Secondary School and Tölö Gymnasium Upper Secondary School, Brändö Gymnasium Upper Secondary School: Cassandra Holmlund tel. +358 40 680 1979
Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages and Vuosaari Upper Secondary School: Matti Tynjä tel. +358 40 729 0734
Ressu Upper Secondary School and Etu-Töölö Upper Secondary School: Ville Valasti tel. +358 40 627 8211
Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Natural Sciences: Team Supervisor Janne Koppinen tel. +358 40 751 4819