The Exercise and Sport Activity Program

The Importance of Activity

Research has powerfully illustrated the need for adults to lead a physically active lifestyle. In addition to combating coronary heart disease (CHD), physical activity has been shown to provide some protection against other chronic diseases such as adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and depression. Both the extent of the problem and the importance of physical activity to the solution of the problem have been acknowledged in federal initiatives such as the publication of Healthy People 2010 (Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Healthy People 2010 identifies physical activity and fitness as the number one objective for health promotion and disease prevention. Despite the demonstrated potential of physical activity to improve the nation's health and save billions of dollars in health care, it has been estimated that only 22% of adults engage in exercise at the level recommended for health benefits in Healthy People 2010 (ACSM, 1993). Furthermore, only 10% of adults are vigorously active on a regular basis, 30% are moderately active and 60% are sedentary or have activity levels too low to produce any health benefits (Department of Health and Human Services, 1992). Recent guidelines produced by the American College of Sports Medicine recommend all healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days each week.(ACSM, 2007).

A significant decline in levels of physical activity is seen in the years following puberty; a trend that is only likely to be reversed by quality physical activity instructional classes. Experts agree that quality physical activity instructional classes are an important part of the overall educational process in the development and maintenance of lifelong exercise habits. It our goal that students in GW's Exercise and Sport Activity (EXSA) classes will be made aware of the need for physical activity in its many forms.

The EXSA Program classes are structured to deliver instruction to assist students in becoming physically educated people. A physically educated person...

• has learned skills necessary to perform a physical activity of his or her choice
• is physically fit according to a definition of fitness that stresses fitness for life OR has the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a realistic and achievable personal health related fitness plan
• participates regularly in physical activity
• knows the implications of and benefits from involvement in regular physical activity
• understands how physical activity can provide the opportunity for enjoyment, self-expression and communication
• values and respects the role that regular physical activity plays in the pursuit of life-long health and well being.

Our Exercise and Sport Activity Classes
PDF of all Exercise and Sport Activity Classes
Link to GWU Schedule of Classes EXSA