Opinions and Suggestions for Improving Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Physical Activity (PA) is an essential factor in the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social development of children and adolescents, as well as their overall health. Despite awareness of the important benefits that PA has, there is an increasingly pronounced tendency to recreate societies with very sedentary lifestyles. Recent studies show that more than 80% of young people do not comply with the recommendations proposed by the WHO to practice 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. We are faced with a generation of young people who have a lower level of physical fitness than previous generations. The problem on a global scale is very serious, and it begins early in our children's lives, worsening as they grow older. The most common recommendations from these 60 minutes of MVPA emphasise aerobic activities, overlooking the evidence that suggests PA is influenced by the level of strength and motor development, which are essential for performing various motor activities with confidence, competence, pleasure, and success. These insufficient levels of PA in young people require another approach. Rather than focusing solely on aerobic activities, PA interventions should adopt a holistic approach that also incorporates muscle strengthening and motor skill development. More studies are needed to inform those interested in developing the physical fitness of our youth. Here are some reflections that need to be explored in more depth, so that the practice of PA can be increased and, as a result, we can have healthier, more robust, determined and happy youth.