American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: May/June 2010

On Their Own: Preparing  Students for a Lifetime
  Catherine D. Ennis

Abstract: Physical  education should prepare students to participate in physical activity for a  lifetime. Unfortunately, many adults are sedentary, while others regularly drop  out and back in to physical activity in response to life events. This article summarizes  research examining adolescent profiles that predict who is more or less likely  to participate in physical activity after graduation. One of the most reliable  predictors for lifelong physical activity appears to be the power of early  physical activity experiences to shape future attitudes and expectations toward  physical activity. This information can inform professionals’ understanding  about physical education content and teaching strategies to increase students’  skillfulness, knowledge, perceived competence, and enjoyment in physical  education, which may lead to lifetime physical activity choices when they are  on their own.

Article category: Alliance Scholar Lecture