P.E. Classes Receive a Make-over

September 12th, 2007

After receiving a ranking of seventh in the nation for childhood obesity rates, South Carolina has taken action to decrease these numbers and increase the amount of physical activity in the schools.  Teachers are getting creative trying to fit in the required exercise by the state fitness standards. 

The South Carolina state Health and Fitness Act is in its second year of implementation this past August.  Now students are taking part in 90 minutes of physical education classes along with 90 extra minutes of physical activity each week.  The students have organized physical education classes along with the newly active morning announcements “jump with the bell”.  Along with the time requirements, the fitness act also requires a lower student to teacher ratio. 

Although South Carolina seems to be moving in the right direction, many other states physical education classes are dwindling.  The Centers for Disease Control says that in 2003 only 55.7% of students were enrolled in physical education classes and only 39.2% were actually active during that time.  This has led to the tripling in teen obesity rates from 1980 to 2000. 

The South Carolina Health and Fitness Act is focused on encouraging fitness in elementary students in hopes that these healthy habits will be instilled into their lifestyles through high school.  Read more about the Health and Fitness Actand other states obesity initiatives. 

Entry Filed under: Weight Loss, Fitness and Health, Body Image - Self Talk