This article presents kinesiological factors pertaining to the lower back which should be considered in exercise prescription for youth. Three specific areas of concern are reviewed--abdominal muscular strength, trunk flexibility, and postural conditioning in jogging. (IAH)

Some commonly misused or abused exercises which are potentially harmful are identified. Each questionable exercise is illustrated, its potential for harm discussed, and an alternative suggested. Ten general rules are offered to help teachers, coaches, exercise leaders, and individuals avoid exercise-related injuries. (IAH)

This definition of flexibility and muscular strength also explores their roles in overall physical fitness and focuses on how increased flexibility and muscular strength can help decrease or eliminate lower back pain. (CB)

Too little time is often spent on warm-up activities in the school or recreation class. Warm-ups are often perfunctory and unimaginative. Several suggestions are made for warm-up activities that incorporate both previously learned and new skills, while preparing the body for more vigorous activity. (IAH)

This article discusses the need for certification of fitness instructors in the aerobic dance/dance-exercise industry and presents results of a survey of 18 agencies that certify instructors. Survey data has been compiled and published. An excerpt is included which lists organizations, training, certification and renewal procedures, publications,…

This article provides the physical education instructor with important guidelines that should be followed when developing exercise programs for children with asthma. (IAH)

Women athletes have been successful in maintaining and/or increasing their conditioning and vertical jump levels when they participate in the in-season circuit training program described in this article. An exercise guide, sample individual score card, and photos of women practicing the exercises are included. (IAH)

Physical educators can teach preadolescents safe training methods and help them set realistic goals congruent with their needs and abilities without sophisticated and costly equipment. A cooperative strength training program with appropriate instructional methods is described. (MT)

Beginning at an early age, children need a variety of regular activities focusing on health-related fitness and motor skills development presented in a funfilled environment. Such activity helps them to move more efficiently, use objects, establish healthy exercise habits, and develop essential motor skills. (CB)

Objectives and activities of the cardiovascular (CV) fitness program Super Kids--Superfit are related in this article. This exercise program is one component of the Heart Smart Program, a CV health intervention model for elementary school students. Program evaluation, parent education, and school and community intervention strategies are…

Suggestions are made for planning and implementing a walking program for a city or town. (JD)

Clarifies some recent recommendations about how much physical activity is enough, and answers common questions such as what the recommendations are and what they are based on, what is meant by moderate intensity physical activity, who is responsible for the recommendations, and when to use the different guidelines. (SM)

High school physical education curricula should concentrate less on sport skill development and competition, and more on health-related fitness and aerobic activity. Results are reported from a study of the type and amount of aerobic exercise provided in 29 high school physical education programs in a large metropolitan area. (IAH)

Three guiding principles provide the planner of aquatic exercise programs with a model that helps to ensure an effective program: principles of resource availability and allocation; the principle of fit, which involves matching instructor leadership style with program objectives; and the principle of attitude and perception modification. (IAH)

Examines a one-year study conducted in a day hospital for older adults to determine whether a leisure education program would have a significant impact on leisure and life satisfaction of older adults while at the same time enhancing their leisure participation. Found leisure education may reduce the gap that emerges between environmental demands…