Exercise Improves Academic Performance

Alexander W. Cappelen, Gary Charness, Mathias Ekström, Uri Gneezy and Bertil Tungodden

Journal of Political Economy, 2026, vol. 134, issue 1, 397 - 434

Abstract: In a randomized controlled trial, we test whether removal of a barrier to exercise can improve academic performance. We find strong support for this hypothesis: University students who were provided with a free gym card exercised more and had a significant improvement in academic performance. The treated students were less likely to drop out of classes and to fail at the exam. We provide evidence showing that exercise caused a healthier lifestyle and increased perceived self-control, which ultimately improved academic performance. The study demonstrates that removing barriers to physical activity can be an important tool for improving educational achievements.

Date: 2026
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