Why Students Have Better Fitness at Boarding Schools

Aside from the other benefits of attending military boarding schools like higher graduation and college acceptance rates, boys can also experience greater health and fitness levels than they would if they attended a regular school.

Because the educational philosophies of a traditional public or private school and of a military boarding school differ dramatically, boys who attend the latter do more throughout the day and undergo more disciplined activities. A traditional public or private school usually views the academic progress and social development of its youth as its primary goal. Military prep schools, on the other hand, prime their students for admission into excellent colleges, future careers and leadership roles. With more specialized training and hands-on educational and leadership opportunities, boys attending boarding school can lead healthier, more active and productive lives.

Most military schools believe in shaping character and leadership abilities and consider participation in sports and other physical activities to be a primary way of doing so through discipline, teamwork, team social responsibility and privilege. Aside from the traditional world of secondary sports like baseball or basketball, boys attending military boarding schools may also have access to other activities like swimming, rifle team or lacrosse. Additionally, educators do not overlook the value of exercise such as conditioning and strength training, and regular cardiovascular workouts and weight lifting are built in to most schools' day-to-day activities.

Significantly, the structured daily routine of a military preparatory academy also contributes to higher fitness levels, as young men have fewer opportunities to park themselves in front of the television or play video games. Inactivity, considered to be one of the leading factors contributing to obesity in the United States and elsewhere, is dramatically minimized by this more disciplined way of life. Students often rise early for required weight or cardiovascular training before eating a healthy breakfast and attending classes or competitions. Some schools allow for one or two hours of personal or rest time during the afternoon and evening, in between other activities like meals, sporting events, practice, or specialized training.

Diet is another aspect of daily life that benefits the health and fitness levels of boarding school students. A typical school cafeteria might serve unhealthy or cost-effective food like pastas and pizzas, with fewer healthy options. Military boarding schools, though, believe in serving healthy, nutritional meals as a way of keeping up with the physical demands of their rigorous athletic activities.

In summary, the correlation between boarding schools and better fitness exists because of the care these schools take in developing character and leadership abilities by keeping their students active, healthy and well-fed.

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