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Physical Literacy Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Steve Boyle is the CEO of the National Association of Physical Literacy (NAPL) and principal/founder of 2-4-1 Sports, a national organization that teaches children physical literacy using sports sampling through camps, clinics and school-based programming. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program as one of eight model programs in the United States in the original Project Play report, 2-4-1 Sports embodies its motto, Life’s 2 Short 4 Just 1 Sport

Exercise and Children: Better Brain Health, Less Obesity, Less Stress

Physically active young people can do better in school and improve their self-expression, self-confidence and social interaction compared with more sedentary children (WHO 2017). Indeed, two studies published in 2017 underscore the value of children getting plenty of exercise.
Let’s take a quick look at this research. Study 1. Fitness and Academic Achievement

Creative Ideas That Inspire

Pyrolates™, performed on the Megaformer™, is offered at Firebrand™ Sports in Portland, Oregon. The class utilizes the Lagree Fitness method, which is founded on the idea that a workout doesn't need to be long to be effective. This experience aims to combine the flexibility, alignment and therapeutic benefits of Pilates and yoga; the intensity and strength training found in CrossFit®; and the cardio of running or cycling. This complete, full–body workout is low impact and minimizes wear and tear on the body.

Beach exercise
Sample Class: Kids’ Beach Boot Camp

Kids don't usually line up to do squats and lunges, but they'll happily walk like a crab or run faster than a wave! Trick your littlest clients (aged 3—12) into getting a great workout with this quick–moving format packed with cleverly themed exercises.
Kids' Beach Boot Camp Details Goal: to engage kids and keep them moving while they have fun and feel successful Total time: 55—60 minutes Equipment needed:

Movement Helps Kids’ Arteries

It's been documented that active kids tend to perform better in school, are less likely to gain excess weight, develop stronger muscles and bones, and much more. A new report published in Pediatric Exercise Science (2017. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/pes.2016–0168) adds improved arterial health to the list of benefits.

Parents’ Perceptions of Child Weight May Cause Weight Gain

It might seem illogical that children would gain more weight if their parents acknowledged them as being overweight. After all, the knowledge could help parents mitigate future weight gain. Not so, according to two new studies. It turns out that children are more likely to gain weight over 10 years if their parents see them as overweight.

Do Kids Get a Passing Grade for Exercise in 2016?

The 2016 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been released, and it’s clear our kids did not make the “movement honor roll.” In overall activity participation, 6- to 19-year-olds earned a dismal D-, with only 21.6% of them achieving the recommended 60 minutes of activity per day on most days of the week.
The report card is produced as part of the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, which assesses activity levels and offers solutions for improvement.

Another Way to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Current guidelines say children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for optimal health and fitness. For many, this is a tall order. Fortunately, exercise doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach. Recent research has determined that even small amounts of daily high-intensity activity can help kids ward off weight gain.

Bad News About Backpacks

In 2013, injuries related to backpack use affected at least 14,000 children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The school year may have started already, but it’s not too late to teach kids how to wear backpacks properly and reduce injury risk.

Follow these recommendations from the American Chiropractic Association:

Weight Perceptions Among U.K. Teenagers

Experts often say that the first step in overcoming a problem is to recognize that you have one. Researchers from the Health Behaviour Research Centre at University College London raise concerns that some teenagers may not realize they are overweight. The report, published in the International Journal of Obesity (2015; doi: 10.1038/ijo.2015.126), focuses on the self-re- ported weight perceptions of 4,979 boys and girls aged 13–15.

Frightening Youth Fitness Statistics

Researchers from the University of Essex in the U.K. have some troubling news to report: Fitness levels among U.K. schoolchildren are declining at a faster rate than ever. A 2009 study found a drop in fitness levels of about 0.8% over the original study 10 years earlier,
in 1998. Between 2009 and 2014, just 6 years later, that drop rate increased to 0.95%.

Physical Literacy in Children
Physical Literacy for Kids

Health and fitness professionals are important players in a nationwide movement to promote and support physical literacy, which in turn will help to set the stage for a healthier, more active, more productive generation of children

hey’re doing either too little or too much.

For U.S. youth, that’s the stark paradox of physical activity. While
more than half of adolescents fail to accumulate the recommended 60
minutes of exercise at least 5 days per week (CDC 2015), many young
athletes are becoming specialized too early in life, which fosters a
culture of elite sports that discourages broad participation.

Eight Key Elements in Quality Youth Development

If you want to coach youth to reach their sports training goals, consider these eight keys to quality youth development, created by educators at the University of Minnesota Extension:

HELP YOUTH FEEL PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY SAFE.
Trainer’s tip: Set boundaries and expectations with both the clients and their parents early on. Be a good role model and create a safe environment.

Buddies Help Boost Activity Levels

Researchers from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center may have a solution for inactivity among kids: Pair an inactive child with an active buddy.

From the Couch to Conditioning

Youth are flocking to fitness classes as parents face concerns over inactivity, obesity, sports injuries and performance. Instructors are learning to cater to the vast needs of this market, and it can be difficult to create a safe environment where all children can participate, get results and have a good time. While challenges will always exist in group classes, some simple strategies, particularly during the first few minutes, can turn frustration into fun.

Engagement and Physical Literacy