< All Topics
Print

Does running and climbing help the brain too?

Parenting Perspective

Absolutely. Running and climbing are not just physical outlets for energy; they are essential to brain development. These activities activate two major sensory systems: the vestibular system, which governs balance and motion, and the proprioceptive system, which helps a child understand where their body is in space. But more than that, they are also forming and strengthening neural pathways in the brain that support concentration, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
Physical activity directly benefits the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, attention, and impulse control. Climbing requires children to plan their next move, assess risk, adapt their approach, and persevere. After vigorous movement, many children show sharper focus, greater calm, and a higher capacity to engage in learning. Outdoor play also supports mood regulation, reducing signs of anxiety or restlessness.
Crucially, physical exploration gives children a healthy sense of independence. When they test their limits and succeed, they build self-confidence. Providing time and safe spaces for outdoor activity every day is one of the simplest, most effective ways to support whole-child development. It feeds the body, sharpens the brain, and soothes the soul.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anbiyaa (21), Verse 20: ‘They glorify Him (Allah Almighty) all night and all day, without any apathy.’ This verse teaches us that constant; purposeful engagement is a form of devotion. Movement, when rooted in awareness and joy, becomes a reflection of life lived in connection to the Creator. Children who run, climb, and move with freedom are not being idle. They are expressing the vitality and curiosity that Allah Almighty has placed within them as part of their fitrah.
It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 407, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ displayed physical strength and agility, not only in moments of necessity, but also in joyful moments, including when he would play with children. His example teaches us that strength, activity, and affection are not separate qualities, but intertwined. Encouraging physical play is therefore not just about exercise. It is about cultivating a healthy, grateful, and balanced life.
When a child moves with joy, they are learning to love the body Allah Almighty gave them, to challenge it, and to care for it. They are connecting movement with meaning. Physical activity becomes a lived form of Shukr, a practical way to honour the gift of a sound mind and body. In this way, running and climbing are not distractions from learning, they are a vital part of how learning happens best.

Table of Contents

How can we help?