A survey, consisting of demographic, leisure, and personal data, was conducted on middle-aged-adults in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Questions were designed to elicit information concerning the subjects' expectations of increased or decreased leisure activity during the years preceding retirement. Results show that activity patterns for…

An athlete needs to be taught to identify strengths and weaknesses, to concentrate for longer periods of time and regain lost concentration, to develop greater self-discipline and self control, and to deal with performance anxiety. Instructions are given for teaching relaxation methods to athletes, improving concentration, and setting realistic…

Physical education is becoming increasingly popular in elementary schools in Canada. Studies concerning the balancing of physical activities and intellectual subject matter, upgrading skills through inservice education, improving fitness, and project evaluation methods are reviewed. (JN)

Physical fitness is not simply a performance oriented discipline but also, and more importantly, a health oriented discipline. The new American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Health Related Physical Fitness Test battery reflects this idea in its four components: cardiovascular function, body composition,…

An effective way to prevent coronary heart disease in later life is to concentrate on preventive measures in the early years before coronary heart disease becomes established. Project SuperHeart, a heart disease intervention program for young children, includes physical fitness and classroom activities emphasizing basic nutritional habits. (JN)

Reports a study that examined patterns of holding interest for physical activities in a state physical education curriculum for secondary schools. College students who had completed their entire secondary education within the state described their interests. Results indicated that interest could be differentiated into four patterns on the basis of…

Suggests a motivations framework to organize constructs for evaluating sport consumption. Researchers developed scales to measure motivations for spectating and participant markets, then surveyed 1,611 sports enthusiasts nationwide, profiling sports using motivational constructs. The proposed constructs are shown to have implications for marketing…

This article examines the rationale for increasing outdoor recreation participation through schools; it attempts to demonstrate that very little is known about the intensity of participation in schools, and opportunities for such participation seem limited; finally, it suggests strategies to increase youth participation in outdoor recreation. (IAH)

The ELF (Exercise for Lifelong Fitness) program of the University System of New Hampshire began as a pilot program at Keene State College and the System administrative offices. It includes a health education component as well as exercise classes. Cholesterol and mammography screenings are done for faculty and staff. (MLW)

This article discusses two major functions of fitness tests and the standards used to evaluate test results: measurement of individual differences (evaluated by norm-referenced standards), and assessment of student mastery of a predetermined standard (evaluated by criterion-referenced standards). Two sample letters to parents regarding student…

This article suggests ways that the classroom teacher can assist in the fitness assessment process, including preparation for testing, self-testing, and test interpretation. Suggestions include inservice training activities for classroom teachers, as well as a classroom fitness corner and outdoor activities for students. (IAH)

This article examines the extent to which the lifestyles of young people are affected by health and fitness considerations. An analysis of data from 3253 Health Related Behavior Questionnaires, completed by fourth-year secondary school pupils is presented. (IAH)

Study examined whether body fatness and weight control knowledge could be learned by students while they completed skinfold testing. Students received information on the subject in different manners while undergoing skinfold testing, then completed a knowledge test. Students who received instruction during measurement scored higher than control…

Fourth and fifth graders who had completed the mile-run physical fitness test were interviewed to determine what they thought, felt, and knew about the test. Students reported little understanding of why they had to complete the test. They viewed it as a painful, negative experience that was little fun. (SM)

Describes how to assess and implement aerobic circuit training, which involves multistation weight training apparatus, handweights, and aerobic activity equipment to increase cardiovascular fitness and strength. Designed for high school and college students, the circuit requires 25 minutes to complete. (SM)