The Importance of Physical Fitness in Youths, Including Youths with Disabilities

Abstract

With obesity levels rising, including the decline of health-related fitness in school-aged youth, it is imperative that practices change in order to support the development of a life-long fitness mindset in youth. Activities that emphasize physical fitness that can be performed with limited to single participants are particularly important for individuals to be versed in prior to entering adulthood. Youths with disabilities should also be participating more in health-related fitness activities for physiological as well as cognitive benefits. The benefits of a transition to health-related activity choices as the norm will also help to develop in students with orthopedic and cognitive impairments the strength to work side-by-side with their peers during physical activities.