Beyond the Gym: Increasing Outside of School Physical Activity through Physical Education

Abstract

The purpose of physical education is to guide youngsters to become and remain physically active for life. Research on correlates and determinants of physical activity has shown the importance of developing intrinsic motivation in students so that they will choose to be physically active in their leisure time. When the physical education curriculum is considered a physical activity intervention, learning outcomes, instructional tasks, and activities then target known correlates of physical activity. This article presents teaching strategies and curriculum outcomes that specifically target six correlates of physical activity among children and adolescents. By directing efforts toward known correlates of physical activity during physical education, teachers can help youth become more physically active outside of school.