1/3 of CA students can't pass all 6 areas of Fitnessgram!

10-23-13: This report just came out in the local newspaper this AM. While there have been improvements, 1/3 of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders did NOT pass all 6 areas of the Fitnessgram in CA. Different school district administrators are doing what they can, so kudos to them. You can read the full story here:

http://www.sbsun.com/social-affairs/20131023/california-students-fall-short-on-physical-fitness-test

What do you think can and should be done to improve this? The future of our state and country depends on us figuring out how to change this trend. Research shows that fitness is linked to academics in a positive way. The more fit you are, the better your grades are!

Everybody Walk documentary just released!

10-17-13: Just finished watching Kaiser Permanente's documentary on walking...excellently done! Recommending it to EVERYBODY to watch!!! Check it out here:

The Walking Revolution


There's also an interesting West Wing PSA on walking that you can check out here.

Hope this helps motivate everyone to be more physically active!!! It'll do our country good.

Aerobic fitness boosts learning in 9 & 10 y/o kids

9-13-13: More evidence why we need to keep PE in our schools!!!

http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/aerobic-fitness-boosts-learning-memory-in-9-10-year-old-children/learning/

Exercise no better than drugs for depression???

9-13-13: This study just out on exercise and depression came to this conclusion:

"When compared to psychological or pharmacological therapies, exercise appears to be no more effective, though this conclusion is based on a few small trials."

You can read more about this study on the link above. A few things come to mind:

1. What is the ROI of exercise compared to drugs?
2. What are the side effects and risks of exercise compared to drugs?
3. What are the other benefits that one gets from exercise that you don't get with drugs?

Bottomline: still seems like exercise is the "drug" of choice when you consider the BIG picture!

Couch potato time bomb ticking with kids in the UK!

8-22-13: Came across this article in one of my networks...the US isn't the only country struggling with kids and inactivity! Check out this article and what they are doing about it. Sounds like a similar program to our Let's Move.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23778946?goback=%2Egde_4598141_member_267808768#%21

Not surprising the US has company, unfortunately! Good advice about getting parents involved and finding a sport or activity that engages the kids, that they enjoy. We do that with a variety of things here in SoCal. Started a homeschool mtn bike club and now we have kids from 6 to 16 riding with us 2-3x/wk. Great to see them start of having to walk up every little hill to becoming a confident mtn biker and helping other newbies.

My daughter was on a local club swim team from 6 to 13 years old and that was a great form of exercise as well. She enjoyed going to meets and getting all kinds of colored ribbons.

I like using the "enemy"--technology--to get kids moving. Programs like Zamzee is a great site for doing this, backed by research. Also, active gaming or exergaming is a great way to get the video generation moving at the same time. Companies like Motion Fitness are leading the way in this arena. Finally, there are many apps out there that are designed to get kids and adults moving. Mobile Adventure Walk is one such app where a parent can create a "treasure hunt" for the kids to do while going on a walk, similar to geocaching but you have to answer clues based on your surroundings to get points. It's a free app available on the iPhone.

Definitely need to meet this head on before we really start to suffer the consequences of this trend!!!

Yoga and weight loss

8-12-13: Came across this study on how yoga is an effective tool against the obesity epidemic. Check it out here! http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/yoga-may-solve-the-global-obesity-problem-says-new-study/yoga/

Activity trackers: are they accurate?

8-5-13: Saw this post on FB and thought it very interesting. Remember, this is just one person so don't take it as a "study", but the conclusion is still a good one. Check it out!

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/accurate-fitness-trackers-150220254.html

Speaking of activity trackers, I just got my MisFit Shine today so am finally testing it out. Stay tuned for updates! Here's what it looks like on my arm. Very futuristic and minimalistic! For more info, check it out at:

http://www.misfitwearables.com/