Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Do students have to change for phys. ed. classes?
Yes. Students are required to have a change of clothes (shirt and pants/shorts) and sneakers. They can wear long sleeve or short sleeve shirts, shorts or sweat pants; what ever makes them feel most comfortable.Back to Top
Do you have to go to college to be a phys. ed teacher?
Phys. Ed. teachers have to receive special training just like teachers in any other discipline. Phys. Ed. teachers major in Kinesiology, the study of the human body in motion, with a concentration in Teacher Preparation. Other concentrations in Phys. Ed. include Exercise Physiology, Sports Medicine/Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, Sports Management, Motor Learning, Motor Development, Adaptive Phys. Ed., Recreation Management, Recreational Therapy. In addition to activity and teacher preparation courses, Kinesiology curriculum is rich in the life sciences (anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, exercise physiology).Back to Top
What is a target or training heart rate zone?
This is a heart rate range a person needs to stay within in order to strengthen their cardiovascular (heart and lungs) system. The simplest way to determine your target heart rate zone is to find your maximum heart rate (207- (.7 X your age) and multiply that number by .6 for the low end and .85 for the high end. The Heart Rate Reserve method is more complicated, but more accurate, since it is based upon an individual's resting heart rate.Back to Top
How long must a person exercise to strengthen their cardiovacular system?
A person needs to exercise in their training/taret heart rate zone at least 20 minutes, at least 3 times a week. ANY activity that raises a person's heart rate to their Training/Target Heart Rate Zone will strengthen the heart, that includes things such as weeding a garden, mowing a lawn with a push mower, taking the family dog for a walk, etc. The key is raising the heart rate to the Target Heart Rate Zone.Back to Top
A pedometer is a small device a person wear's at their waist that records the total number of steps they take. It is one of the least expensive, least intrusive ways to keep track of physical activity. Cooper's Aerobic Institute in Texas has been pushing the concept of "10,000 Steps a Day." The total number of steps accumulated in a day's time is a reflection of how active a person was that day. 10,000 steps is roughly the equivalent of 30 minutes of exercise ... sufficient for maintaining good heart health.Back to Top
What are the components of health related fitness?
There are 4 basic components of health related fitness: 1. Muscular Strength and Endurance 2. Cardiovascular Endurance 3. Flexibility 4. Body composition - the ratio of lean body mass to fatBack to Top
What's the difference between health related and performance related fitness?
Health related fitness refers to those components that affect an individual's quality of life; muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Maintaining minimum levels of health related fitness reduces an individual's risk of developing diseases, disorders, and injuries related to low levels of fitness. Performance related fitness refers to those components that affect an individual's athletic performance; speed, agility, coordination, power, balance, reaction time, none of which have any affect on the quality of an individual's life. Not everyone can be a good athlete ... but everyone can be fit.Back to Top
What is 'Perceived Rate of Exertion?'
Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE) is another method people can use to determine how hard they are working when exercising. You simply ask yourself this question, 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard do I think I'm working?' One would represent sitting down, watching TV, and 10 would mean your are working so hard that you couldn't continue. To strengthen your heart and lungs you should probably be working somewhere between a 5 and a 8.Back to Top
The Talk Test is a simple way to estimate if you're working hard enough to make your heart and lungs stronger. If you can talk easily while exercising, you're not working hard enough. If you can't talk at all, you're working too hard. If you can talk but need to take a break every now and then, that's just about right.Back to Top
What are good endurance activities for middle school students?
Any activity that raises their heart rate to the target heart rate zone and keeps it there for 20 minutes ... AND ... they enjoy doing ... will do the trick. At this age pariticipating in interscholastic, intramural, community leagues not only provides activity but an opportunity to socialize with peers outside the school setting. Walking, riding bike, roller blading, skate boarding, soccer, basketball, swimming, volleyball, badminton, horseback riding are just a few suggestions that your middle school student might enjoy doing with a friend ... or ... with family members.Back to Top
What are "inactivity disorders"?
Inactivity disorders ... more appropriately referred to as hypokinetic disorders ... are illnesses and/or injuries associated with low fitness levels. Heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, Type II Diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, higher risk of injuries, are some examples of inactivity disorders.Back to Top
Why do students have to run the mile?
In order to test how strong students' hearts and lungs are we need to use a test that is of sufficient length to test their cardiovascular system, as well as an activity that all can participate in regardless of skill, as standards established through research,and can handle a large number of students safely at the same time. The mile run/walk fits those parameters.Back to Top
What is the difference between a "fitness athlete" and a "competitive athlete"
A competitive athlete trains to be successful in athletic events where they are competing against another person or against another team as part of a team. A fitness athlete trains/stays active as a means of reducing their risk of disorders/illnesses related to low fitness levels. Not everyone can be a good, competitive athlete ... but everyone is capable of being a fitness athlete.Back to Top
What is "sedentary death" syndrome?
This term refers to the increase in premature deaths that are linked to an individuals lack of activity.Back to Top
Why do students have written homework in phys. ed.?
Students are sometimes given written assignments to help reinforce fitness concepts that are presented in class so that when they are responsible for their own fitness they will be able to create a comprehensive, effective wellness plan.Back to Top
Percent body fat is the ratio of an individual's lean body mass (fluids, organs, muscles, bones, and organs) to body fat. In order to be health an individual needs a certain amount of fat to act as protection, insulation, as well as a source of energy. Too little fat can be a health risk just as too much fat.Back to Top