ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal - Current Issue

Eleven Thoughts from Reading This Issue No abstract available

ACSM News Briefs No abstract available

SHAREABLE RESOURCE: Every Day Is Physical Activity Day No abstract available

Guidelines for Physical Activity and Health in the United States: Evolution over 50 Years No abstract available

Physical Activity and Depression No abstract available

Featured Articles No abstract available

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A (PHYSICAL ACTIVITY) PROBLEM Apply It! • Physical activity is associated with several health and well-being benefits, but current levels of daily physical activity are at an all-time low. • Daily physical activity has decreased over the years due to declining lifestyle physical activity levels. • Innovative strategies from health and fitness professionals are needed to promote physical activity throughout the day. Summary Statement: Physical activity is associated with several health and well-being benefits but has decreased over the years due to declining rates of lifestyle physical activity. Pulled Text: “Despite these well-known benefits of physical activity though, there has still been a gradual decline in overall daily physical activity levels.” “Various devices/appliances have been invented that reduce the physical activity associated with performing household chores. For example, sweeping requires moderate-intensity physical activity but can now be replaced with an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner (e.g., the ‘Roomba’).” Performing these tasks without modern technology, Amish adults accumulate an average of 48 hours per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (14).

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY IN CHILDHOOD FROM PRESCHOOL TO ADOLESCENCE Apply It! • Adult caregivers should limit screen time in preschoolers to provide more opportunities for physical activity. • Schools should hire specialized PE teachers and aim to meet PE standards: daily, 225 minutes per week, of which 50% of time is spent in MVPA. • Organized sports should be redesigned so they are fun and enjoyable for children to enhance their active playtime. • Families should set physical activity goals and record progress to increase physical activity levels. Summary Statement Preventing physical inactivity in youth starts in the preschool years and requires strategies targeting schools, caregivers, and families that limit excessive screen time and improve participation in PE, organized sports, and active play. Pulled Text • Excessive screen time can displace time spent in structured and unstructured play, thereby directly lowering physical activity levels and could even indirectly lowering physical activity by impeding the development of motor skills and physical literacy. • There is growing evidence that physical activity improves cognition, which could enhance academic achievement. • The Project Play framework provides a roadmap to help children enter into organized sports, centered on the developmentally appropriate needs of children, and remain engaged throughout childhood.

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE WORKING YEARS Apply It! • Incorporate physical activity breaks into sitting time at work and at home, and reinforce the habit by setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move at least once every hour. • For individuals with limited time to exercise, but who are willing to exercise intensely, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a highly effective way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. It is important to make sure that the individual is cleared by their physician before recommending this highly intense type of workout. • Incorporating nontraditional modalities, such as yoga, active commuting, age-group sports, and dance, is a viable way to increase physical activity levels. • Take your client’s or patient’s goals and activity preferences into consideration when making recommendations or designing an activity plan, and incorporate creative solutions to reduce their sedentary time throughout each day.

CURRENCY FOR RETIREMENT: INVESTING IN PHYSICAL CAPITAL Apply It! •Help your clients look at their body as a nest egg — just like their money. The analogy will not be lost on them and might just change their view of the importance of activity. •Reinforce that no matter the point in your life that these efforts begin, it is never too late, and the investment can be tailored based on your health, capabilities, goals, and resources. •Choose a diverse portfolio of movement that fits where the client is currently and activities that encourage social interaction.