WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

Physical fitness:
Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
Key components of fitness are endurance, flexibility, strength and coordination. Certain physical activities,
games or sport can incorporate more than one. A balanced variety of all types of activities facilitates a variety
of positive health outcomes and sustains children’s enjoyment and interest in physical activity.
Aerobic or Endurance Activities:
E.g. running, jogging, skating, football,
basketball, swimming, dancing
• involve continuous movement.
• cause more and rapid breathing and a
faster heartbeat, and makes you feel warm.
• benefit the heart, lungs and circulatory
system.
Flexibility Activities:
E.g. stretching, gymnastics, dancing,
swimming, yoga, martial arts
• involve bending, stretching and reaching.
• keep the joints mobile and muscles
relaxed; helps with relaxation.
Source: Adapted from Public Health Agency of Canada;
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/index.html
Strength Activities:
E.g. lifting weights, carrying groceries,
bowling, shovelling snow, raking the leaves
• involve lifting, carrying, pushing and
pulling.
• use the muscles against some form of
resistance.
• build and strengthen muscles and bones
and improve posture.
Coordination Activities:
E.g. lifting weights, carrying groceries,
bowling, shovelling snow, raking the leaves
• involve throwing, catching, jumping,
kicking, hitting an object.
• combining strength, endurance and
flexibility to achieve effective,
well-directed movements.
WHO Information Series on School Health 18