Getting started is the hardest part and buy in is crucial. Here are some resources available:

• School Physical Education and Physical Activity Policies to Support the Social and Emotional Climate and Learning 

• Integrating classroom physical activity in schools, website

• Springboard to active schools

Equipment supports participation in these activities by  providing external focus of attention (something to focus on moving), increasing motivation (I lifted a weight!), or increasing the dosage of exercise! 

The following equipment (or a similar substitute) will be helpful for you to progress through each exertional level . Items include: body weight, PVC pipe, dumbbells, backpack, plastic cups, paper plates, trash can, balloon, yoga mat, cans, books, boxes, and sports equipment. The following weights will be needed for each exertional level.

• Sedentary: body weight

• Light: up to 20 pounds

• Medium: 10 - 25 pounds 

• Heavy/Very Heavy: 25  - 100 pounds

Space:

• Ensure each participant has enough space to move their body and have fun! Participants should be an arm's length away, or at least 3 feet between between other people and surroundings.  

• Move any furniture, desks, and chairs away from you as you perform exercises.  

• Have your exercise equipment nearby and organized for easy transitions between different exercises.  

After using equipment, make sure to clean and put away the equipment.  

We highly recommend that students use a warm up and cool down each time they exercise. You can find a suggested warm up and cool down on each monthly program but you can also create your own! Warming Up and Cooling Down are important because they prepare your body for work and return your body to a resting state!

Benefits of warm up/cool down includes:

• Raises and lowers your body temperature for better performance and recovery

• Improves coordination, balance, postural control, and flexibility 

• Increases focus 

• Reduces muscle soreness 

• Lowers the chance of injury