Enhancing children's participation in physical activity

Abstract

The school's role in enhancing children's participation in physical activity, particularly activities considered vigorous, is examined in this article. Children often elect not to take physical education classes. Even students who take physical education frequently fail to show marked gains of fitness since the intensity, duration, and nature of activities are inadequate to elicit cardiorespiratory adaptations. However, the school can and should play a major role in promoting children's interest in aerobic physical activities. Furthermore, the school can sustain this involvement by encouraging students to enroll in physical education by teaching the value of regular, vigorous physical activity, and by providing opportunities to engage daily in vigorous yet enjoyable activities. Recommendations are offered for increasing exercise participation and for improving children's attitudes toward physical activity within the school environment.