Physical Activity

Physical Activity • What is the number one barrier to physical activity in schools?

Physical Activity • Physical education and physical activity does not reduce academic learning and it may actually increase it.

MyActivity Pyramid • Graphic illustration explaining types of physical activity • Designed to help understand how much of each type • Allows for moderate and vigorous; and flex and strength • General idea: accumulate 60 mins from the first 3 levels.

MyActivity Pyramid • Based on National Guidelines • Modeled after MyPyramid • Needs some explanation • Some activities can fit into more than one category • Note: Guidelines for children are not overly specific compared to adolescents/adults

PA Guidelines for Children • 60 minutes minimum • Up to several hours • Intermittent activity with rest periods • No long periods of inactivity • Variety of activities

Important Child Concepts • Expose youngsters to a wide variety of physical activities • Teach physical skills to help maintain lifetime health and fitness • Encourage self-monitoring so youngsters can see how active they are and set their own goals • Individualize intensity of activities • Focus feedback on process of doing your best rather than on product • Be active role models.

Inherently active Short attention span Concrete thinkers Active intermittently and need rest periods Skill development High intensity has benefits but limits adherence Inactivity tracks better than activity Self-efficacy in PA is good determinant of lifetime PA Active parents more likely to have active children Can learn to be inactive Important Child Concepts

PA Guidelines for Adolescents • Should be physically active daily as part of play, game, sports, work, transportation, recreation, physical education, or planned exercise, in the family, school and community activities • Should engage in 3 or more sessions per week for at least 20 minutes or more at a time at a moderate to vigorous level

Physical Activity