The Effects of Combining a Fitness Emphasis During Motor Skill Practice on Third Grader's Enjoyment of Physical Education Lessons

The American public continues to express concern over the status of fitness levels of American youth in comparison to international and generational counterparts, but little evidence supports that claim (McKenzie & Sallis, 1996). However, obesity levels of American youth and adults continue to increase (Gortmaker, Dietz, Sobol, 8c Wehler, 1987). By 1990, 34 percent of American adults were considered obese (Kuczsmarski, Fiegal, Campbell, &Johnson, 1994) and it is estimated that over 11 million youth in the United States are obese (Strand, Scantling, &Johnson, 1997). Since obesity has been linked to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer,joint stress and other health problems, it is evident that changes need to be made in the lifestyles of youth to increase their levels of physical activity.