Learning in Motion: Can Physical Movement Enhance Workplace Learning?

This informal CPD article, ‘Learning in Motion: Can Physical Movement Enhance Workplace Learning?, was provided by iAM Learning, who are transforming the way your workforce trains and retains, using high-end animation, lovable characters and captivating stories to make even the most serious subjects appealing and unforgettable.

Instead of rows of chairs with learners facing a speaker in front of a slideshow, why not learn in a different way? Short walking discussions, or using standing desks to stay alert? It may sound unusual, but it could be the key to improved engagement and knowledge retention.

Movement and learning aren’t usually talked about in the same sentence. However, the idea is often supported that, well, maybe it should be. We’re not just talking about moving while learning, either: physical exercise can improve many parts of your body, and that includes your mind.

This article explores how introducing physical activity into your daily routine and workplace learning can improve focus, memory and even job performance. With just a few simple changes, it may be possible to reshape the learning experience without turning the office into a gym.

The Link Between Movement and the Brain

Physical activity isn’t just good for the body; it’s good for the brain, too. When you exercise, you increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which may boost mental alertness and clarity. Research from the University of Illinois (2009) found that even light physical activity can boost your cognitive control and memory.

We’re not suggesting spending hours of your precious time on a treadmill each day, either. That simply wouldn’t be practical for many people. Small bursts of movement throughout the day can help learners stay sharp and engaged. A 2014 study in Frontiers in Psychology showed that students who incorporated movement into lessons demonstrated better focus and recall than those who stayed seated.

The Problem with Sitting Still

Extended sitting isn’t just bad for posture (ask your DSE representative). It may also dull your concentration and slow mental processing. The British Heart Foundation reports that sedentary behaviour is linked to reduced brain function and increased fatigue, both of which can directly impact learning outcomes.

In a typical training session, learners can spend hours sitting, with minimal movement. Over time, this may reduce their ability to absorb and retain new information. Breaking up long periods of sitting with simple movement can help counteract these effects.

Several studies support the benefits of movement-based learning, including:

• Harvard Medical School (2023) found that physical activity improves mood and sleep, which play a role in learning efficiency
• A 2020 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that regular movement breaks can enhance attention and working memory in adults
• The University of Copenhagen (2016) found that active learners retained more information compared to those in passive environments

Although research is still emerging, current evidence suggests that there are some clear benefits.

I Want to Get Moving, But Where Do I Start?

There are plenty of ways to bring movement into learning programs specifically, as well as incorporating it into daily routines. Let’s explore both.

In daily routines:

• Start off your working day with 10 minutes of exercise
• Use stairs instead of lifts when moving around the building
• Encourage short walking breaks between tasks

In learning programs:

• Walk-and-talks: Pairing up for a walking discussion may help ideas flow more naturally and boost creative thinking
• Stretch breaks: A couple of minutes of light stretching every so often when you’re training can refresh your brain and reduce fatigue
• Interactive workshops: Setting up different stations for learning activities and moving between them encourages movement and keeps energy levels up

These approaches work particularly well in team training or problem-solving sessions, where engagement is key. Management can help support movement by providing active learning spaces. Somewhere with flexible seating options (such as stools, chairs, and standing desks) can allow people to move freely. Open layouts give people clear pathways to introduce movement. And designated movement zones-spaces for short breaks, stretches or walking meetings-can support an active learning culture.

Bringing It Together

Some research suggests a link between physical activity and improved learning. Incorporating simple movement into learning design can help organisations create more engaging, effective, and healthier development experiences. Key takeaways from this article include:

• Movement may support cognitive function, memory and focus
• Simple actions like walking meetings can make a big impact
• Reducing sedentary behaviour helps learners stay alert and retain more information
• Active learning environments with movement zones and open layouts don’t have to be complex or costly

With small steps, you may be able to build a dynamic and effective learning culture.

We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iAM Learning, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.

References: 

Hillman, C., Pontifex, M., Raine, L., Castelli, D., Hall, E., Kramer, A., (2009). University of Illinois. The effect of acute treadmill walking on cognitive control and academic achievement in preadolescent children. Neuroscience. 159, 3: 1044-1054.

Verburgh, L., Königs, M., Scherder, E. J. A., and Oosterlaan, J. (2014). Physical exercise and executive functions in preadolescent children, adolescents and young adults: a meta-analysis. Br. J. Sports Med. 48, 973–979. doi: 10.1136/bjsports- 2012-091441

Witteveen, J. (2022). Making it stick: The effect of active learning on knowledge retention. In A. A. Andersen Arias, & F. V. Christensen (Eds.), Improving University Science Teaching and Learning: Pedagogical Projects 2022 (pp. 3-16). Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen. 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2021/january/new-research-to-examine-how-sedentary-behaviour-is-bad-for-our-health

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/regular-physical-activity-can-boost-mood

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/13/776