Get Fit Facts

• Children who are physically active function and learn better in the classroom
• Exercising increases your endorphins, which makes you a happier person
• By the year 2010, 1 out of 4 children aged 6-17 will be obese
• Since 1960, obesity has increased 54% in elementary school children and 39% in high school students
• 1/3 of all teenagers are inactive
• Only 32% of kids ages 6-17 meet minimum standards for cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance
• 30% of children in school are at risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• 15% of children ages 6-19 are overweight
• 25% of children ages 8-16 watch four or more hours of television per day
• Less than 2/3 of high school children get more than 2 hours of exercise per week
• Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.
• Strength training will increase bone density as well as muscle, tendon, and ligament strength
• Cardiovascular exercise will strengthen the heart, burn fat, and increase lung capacity
• Core training strengthens the trunk muscles, which include the abdominal and lower back