1. Introduction to Physical Education, Fitness, and Sport
Chapter 1
The dilemma of our times:
Lifespan physical activity and the obesity crisis

2. What do we know about the role and place of
physical activity?
It is possible and desirable.
It is not just for children and youth, but . . .
EVERYONE!
It has strong protective effects on one’s
health.

3. What are some of the critical indicators?
We face a health crisis . . .
What are some of the critical indicators?
Prevalence of overweight and obese persons and
its impact on public health (see Box 1.3).
It occurs across age groups.
More common in children and youth from lower
SES groups, minorities (especially blacks and
Latinos, Mexicans), and those who have disabilities.

4. Reaching the national health goals cannot be
achieved by one single group of professionals.
Which groups need to team up?
Physical educators.
Fitness professionals (e.g., health clubs, personal
trainers).
Recreation leaders (e.g., Boys & Girls clubs, Parks
& Recreation programs.
Club sport programs.
Others?????

5. “Lets Move” “Play60” What current efforts are aimed at reversing the
health crisis?
Emergence of “lifestyle management” within the
wellness movement.
Policymakers pushing for high-quality, daily
Physical Education in schools.
2004 Renewal of the 1966 Child Nutrition Act
>>> School Wellness Policy required in each
school district.

6. (NASPE GA) “go to Shape of the Nation”
What current efforts are aimed at reversing the
health crisis? (continued)
State legislation that increases minimum
requirements for nutrition, nutrition education
and Physical Education/physical activity.
Establishment of National Health objectives:
>> Healthy People 2000 (1991) & Healthy People 2010
(2000)
>> Primary Goals:
1. Increase life expectancy & quality of life for all
2. Decrease / Eliminate health disparities

7. Lifespan Physical Activity
In our culture, what are the common stereotypes for a) who is active? b) what activities do they engage in? (moderate or vigorous intensity?)
A revolution for public health :
Moderate intensity physical activity for ALL across the lifespan

8. What might it look like . . . ? Lifespan Physical Activity Early Years
Youth
Young Adults
Older Adults

9. . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Movement & motor play = Learning
about surroundings and life.
Informal, less structured, & less goal
directed.
Largely dependent on parents

10. . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Early Childhood PA Programs (see Box 1.4)
> Mostly commercial (i.e., fee-based).
> More in affluent/suburban areas.
> Less accessible to lower-income groups.
> Facilities and equipment are modified.
> PA habits are formed in childhood.
> Their importance is well accepted.

11. . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Children’s Sport Opportunities
> Dramatic increase in recent years.
> Emergence of “age-group” programs.
> Variance in organization (recr. v. competition)
> Variance in support (volunteer parents
v. organizations such as Kiwanis)
> Well-designed programs can provide positive
sport experiences.

12. . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7)
Elementary-School Physical Education
> While importance is recognized, status is
marginal (e.g., time in PE; who teaches it).
> K-2: Focus on fundamental motor skills;
adventure activities, coop. games & team
building.
> Grade 3-5: Increased focus on modified
versions of sport.

13. . . . for Youth? (ages 10-18) Middle and High schoolers either become
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Youth? (ages 10-18)
Middle and High schoolers either become
more active or more sedentary.
HS Phys. Educ. requirements are 1-2
semesters.
Involvement in other activities (e.g., band,
school sport; dance team) may exempt
students from Physical Education

14. . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) Fitness centers in HS are becoming
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18)
Fitness centers in HS are becoming
more common (w. access for communities.
Access for public during after school
hours and evenings.
Physical activity venues are now more
accessible for youth year round.

15. . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) High School Interschool Sport Program
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18)
High School Interschool Sport Program
> Participation has steadily increased in the
last decade (~7, students).
> Booster clubs for many sports to
supplement funding.
> Coaches may come from outside of the ranks
of licensed teachers.
> Most expect year round strength
conditioning, & have an athletic trainer.

16. . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) Out-of-School Sport
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18)
Out-of-School Sport
> Students will engage in sports not typically
seen in HS programs.
> Practice and competition involvement equals
that of athletes in HS programs.
> Involvement and accomplishment may well
go unnoticed at school.

17. . . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Entry into the workforce or furthering
education.
Establishing patterns of work and play.

18. . . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
University Recreation & Fitness
programs
> Attractive facilities help attract and retain
students.
> Extensive choice in sport and fitness
programs & activities. (see Box 1.5)

19. . . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
University Recreation & Fitness
programs (cont’d.)
> Extensive array of Sport Clubs for regional
and national competition.
> Outdoor Adventure program offerings are
common.
> Intramural programs and elective “General
Physical Activity” courses are popular with
students.

20. . . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Community recreation
> Municipal and private fitness facilities offer
fee-based PA opportunities (e.g., YMCA, Parks
& Recreation).
> Community rec. programs cater to all ages.
> Availability of such programs can attract new
community residents.
> Municipality-maintained parks, and trails
offer additional access for PA (often free).

21. . . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)
Informal Participation
> Very popular among young and older adults.
> Can contribute to health and quality of life.
> Popular examples include: Cycling, swimming,
walking, jogging skating, tennis, and golf.
> Other (less visible) include mountain
biking, rock climbing, and backpacking.

22. . . . for Older Adults? Myths about the dangers of (vigorous)
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Older Adults?
Myths about the dangers of (vigorous)
physical activity for older adults.
1980’s brought about a gradual shift.
Today, older adults are learning to be
more active (preferring low impact
activities).

23. . . . for Older Adults? Master Athlete Programs > Hail from Europe.
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Older Adults?
Master Athlete Programs
> Hail from Europe.
> Increasingly popular.
> Track & Field , Swimming.

24. . . . for Older Adults? Physical Activity Forever
Lifespan Physical Activity
. . . for Older Adults?
Physical Activity Forever
> Increased life expectancy increases need
for PA in older adults > maintain health.
> Inactive lifestyle adds to health care
cost.
> Previous generations never viewed fitness and active lifestyle as essential.

25. New Settings for Sport, Fitness, and Physical Education
Sport Clubs (fee-based, caters to different ages and skill levels)
Sport Medicine Centers (specializes in injury treatment, rehab,
independent from hospitals, caters to all ages)
Home Fitness (homes now often include a fitness room)
Worksite programs (reduced health care insurance cost)
Sport / Games Festivals (offers competition for all ages and
skill levels).

26. What are the emerging characteristics of Lifespan Physical Activity?
An early start helps
Breakdown of gender and age stereotypes
Emphasis from youth to adults
Increased role by private sector
New professionals
Increased availability of information
Role of technology

27. Major issues and what to do about them?
Increased opportunities for PA vs.
overweight/obesity crisis.
Disparities between groups relative to access and
opportunity for PA, Sport, Fitness.
Role of “built environment” in suppressing vs.
increasing PA.
Poor infra-structure to support PA for ALL.
Having professionals become “boundary-crossers.