Are guided by competent, knowledgeable, and supportive adults. Are supported by cultural norms that make participation in physical activity desirable. To obtain the opportunities and motivation that will enable them to increase their levels of physical activity and fitness, young people can benefit from Families who model and support participation in enjoyable physical activity. After-school care programs that provide regular opportunities for active, physical play. Youth sports and recreation programs that offer a range of developmentally appropriate activities that are attractive to all young people.
Media campaigns that increase the motivation of young people to be physically active.
The strategies presented in this report are all designed to promote lifelong participation in enjoyable and safe physical activity. Girls are significantly less likely than boys to participate regularly in vigorous physical activity and on sports teams. 17 Girls join organized sports programs at later ages than boys and drop out at younger ages. Strategies to increase the amount of physical activity for boys and girls will need to be different, because girls tend to prefer different types of physical activity and pursue it for different reasons than do boys. Since girls are more likely to have lower self-esteem related to their physical capabilities, programs that serve girls should provide instruction and experiences that increase their confidence, offer ample opportunities for participation, and establish social environments that support involvement in a range of physical activities.