Increasing Children’s Participation in Physical Activity Through a Before School Physical Activity Program

Physical activity has long been identified as a way to improve the health status of children. Physical fitness is the development of attributes that are improved through physical activity. Recommendations for participation in physical activity have been established and results suggest that children who meet these recommendations will improve physical fitness levels, which have been linked to improved mood state, decreased behavior issues and improved academic performance among children. Opportunities for physical activity within a school setting have traditionally been associated with physical education and recess; however, many children are not able to achieve the required minutes of physical activity. Increasing opportunities for physical activity through the implementation of a before school physical activity program will be presented in this chapter.