The Active Schools Movement: Helping to Create Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in All K-12 Schools

Physical activity has many health, social, and academic benefits for youth (United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2008). It can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as obesity, Type II diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, students who are physically active tend to have better school attendance, classroom behaviors, cognitive performance, and grades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018).