Health-Related Fitness and Young Children.

Because research indicates that American youth have become fatter since the 1960's, the development of fitness among young children should not be left to chance. Simple games, rhythms, and dance are not sufficient to insure fitness, for, during the regular free play situation, children very seldom experience physical activity of enough intensity to promote cardiovascular fitness. Fortunately, something can be done. The Health-Related Physical Fitness Test, inaugurated in 1980 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, emphasizes a philosophy which focuses upon good health and disease prevention. Aspects of the philosophy include cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, and balanced body composition. Basic benefits of health-related physical activity are numerous. Included in this document are a guide for planning fitness activities in daily lessons, examples of activities for enhancing fitness among young children, and a weekly plan with illustrative activities. (RH)