Find resources to increase your knowledge of physical activity promotion and education. Includes background information on physical activity as well as audience- or age-specific promotions and programs, reports and statistics, and online tools.
Physical Activity
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
DHHS. Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion.
The Federal Government has issued its first-ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. They describe the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans. Spanish Guidebook (PDF 770KB) and a Spanish fact sheet (PDF 600KB) are also available.
Steps to Wellness: A Guide to Implementing the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in the Workplace
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This tool kit provides easy and understandable steps on how to get people moving while they are at work. Includes assessment, planning and evaluation materials.
Healthy People: Physical Activity and Fitness
DHHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Goal is to improve health, fitness, and quality of life through daily physical activity. Includes 15 objectives, several interventions and other resources.
Physical Activity Resources for Health ProfessionalsDHHS. CDC. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Includes recommendations and guidelines, facts sheets, press releases, and more.
Physical Activity for Everyone
DHHS. CDC. National Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Reviews the physical activity guidelines for children, adults and older adults, and ways to fit activity into your daily routine.
Active at Any Size
DHHS. NIH. NIDDK. Weight-control Information Network.
Very large people face special challenges in trying to be active. This booklet offers tips and motivation to get started being more active and having a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults
DHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging.
Interactive web site that discusses the benefits of exercise for older adults, safety, sample exercises and charting progress. Features pictures of active older adults, video clips, and quizzes. The "Frequently Asked Questions" section addresses nutrition and equipment needs.
Bright Futures in Practice: Physical ActivityGeorgetown University. National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health.
Provides developmental guidelines on physical activity for the periods of infancy through adolescence. View characteristics of excellent physical activity programs for children and adolescents and guidance to building partnerships to promote physical activity.
Eat Smart. Play Hard.USDA. Food and Nutrition Service.
National nutrition education and promotion campaign designed to convey science-based, behavior-focused and motivational messages about healthy eating and physical activity to children and their caregivers.
Physical Activity ToolkitDHHS. CDC. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Provides links to physical activity Web sites for youth.
Physical Activity and the Health of Young PeopleDHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Includes information and statistics on the benefits of physical activity in childhood and adolescence. Links to the Youth Physical Activity Guidelines Toolkit (PDF 2.3MB), which highlights strategies for families and communities to support youth physical activity and includes activities, handouts, and templates.
SPARK Physical Education Lesson PlansSports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) Program.
Download free physical education (PE) lesson plans, find PE games or get new PE ideas appropriate for early childhood through middle school.
Hearts n' ParksDHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ; National Recreation and Parks Association.
Community-based program helps local agencies promote heart-healthy lifestyles. The program aims to increase awareness and effect behavior change through utilizing existing community programs and providing resources to help agencies communicate about lifestyle changes. Includes a community mobilization guide (PDF) and information on pilot projects.
