Case Study

Marta has never been physically active. In high school she didn't enjoy physical education classes because she just wasn't good at competitive sports like basketball and soccer. Now 20 years old and a sophomore in college, Marta typically drives her car to campus rather than walking the six blocks from her apartment. Her idea of a complete meal is a large pepperoni pizza delivered to her door and washed down with a large soda. To relax, she watches TV or chats with friends. Recently Marta heard about the adverse health effects of a sedentary lifestyle and no longer wants to be a couch potato.

Many people develop bad health habits as young children that carry through adulthood. The growth in popularity of television and the advent of video games and personal computers has put more people in front of video monitors and fewer outside exercising. While we are constantly hearing about a fitness craze, all the fitness studies indicate that Americans are more sedentary than ever, particularly young children. And yet we continually hear of state legislatures eliminating physical education requirements in our public schools. Why do you think young people are so inactive? What are the potential long-term effects of their inactivity? Why do you think some people see the elimination of school physical education programs as sending a mixed message to the public?

Your Conclusions:

Do you think it's too late for Marta to change her lifestyle? How should she begin? After years of not exercising, with what types of exercises should she begin? Should Marta see her family physician before starting any exercise program? How long will she need to continue a physical activity program before she notices the positive effects of regular exercise?

Young people are so inactive due to them not going outside enjoying nature, the sun and just outdoor activities anymore. They're even more inactive due to parents buying more electronic devices instead of outdoor activity things...