Being physically active doesn’t have to take you away from your family. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy with your spouse and/or children. Instead of doing sedentary recreational events (video games, movie), plan something more active. Remember to adapt your activities to suit those at different abilities and developmental stages. Get up and...

• Go bowling
• Plant a garden
• Shovel snow. Throw a few snowballs while you’re at it!
• Visit an amusement park or zoo
• Walk the dog or your neighbor’s dog or a pound dog » read more

By Carla Sottovia, Ph.D.

Inactivity among children has steadily increased. According to the Surgeon General’s Report (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996), only about one-half of America’s young people participate regularly in vigorous physical activity.

The report also indicates that participation of children in physical activity declines greatly as age or grade in school increases. It is our responsibility to promote and educate children about the benefits of being physically active throughout one’s lifetime. Further, it is crucial that physical activity be promoted in the home and community, and not just at school. Children should be involved in physical activityprograms that emphasize exercise behaviors rather than outcomes. Parents and fitness professionals should be aware of factors that may enhance the promotion of physical activity in children and how they can be facilitated. Currently, there are several national organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1997) and the Council for Physical Education for Children (1998), that have provided guidelines on appropriate physical activity for children. The general consensus is that children should participate in moderately intense physical activity for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week.

Promotion of Physical Activity » read more

Courtesy: www.cooperaerobics.org

What began as a national youth fitness test has grown up. In a big way. Today, the President's Challenge takes staying active beyond the school gym, and into everyday life. We've expanded the President's Challenge into a whole series of programs designed to help improve anyone's activity level. Young or old. It's about choosing to live healthier - and finding things you really like to do. No matter how active you are right now, you'll find a program that's right for you:

Active Lifestyle

For those just getting started (less than 30 minutes of activity a day, 5 times a week). » find out more

Presidential Champions

For those who are already active and want a new challenge. » find out more

Both programs offer a personal activity log to track your progress online - along with awards for reaching your goals. You can even join with others to take the Challenge as a group.

Once you see the difference staying active can make, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner. So make a choice. You're it. Get fit!

Courtesy: www.presidentschallenge.org