The Vital Role of Exercise for Wellbeing

 

This year marks my eleventh year in International education and my journey continues with a conscious eye on reflection.

Throughout my career as an educator, it has become normal to look back at my own experiences and find where both positive and negative influences came from, an important reminder when working with students every day!

Throughout my secondary school years, I was deeply involved in physical activities, particularly running, swimming and team sports. As I approached GCSE and A Level study, we regularly monitored Heart Rate (HR) as part of our lessons. Mine was usually between 45 and 50 BPM, something which meant little to me until our teacher shared standard data- those numbers were pretty good. Not a Tour De France cyclist good, but all the same, good enough.

Today, I get to teach students about Health Related Fitness and what role HR plays in our long term health. Being committed to sport and being committed to fitness are two very different things and it is important that our students understand this. Seeing the enthusiasm around the RST student body for both PE and Sport, has been a real positive in my first few weeks here. 

The reason I share this personal story is to underscore a truth that is increasingly supported by sophisticated scientific research: the profound benefits of physical activity for both adults and children. At RST, we incorporate such a wide range of sporting and fitness based activities into both curriculum and co-curricular activities, offering our student body a great opportunity to find their passion. I look forward to seeing our students grow and thrive, leaving RST as healthy individuals, aware of the impact exercise can have on both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Article written by Rich Molloy, Director of Sport, Rugby School Thailand