Introduction

“Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America. Lack of exercise is the one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Research shows that 90 percent of children who fail to exercise adequately in their teenage years also do not exercise adequately when becoming adults” (Fitzpatrick, 1997). Physical education classes are often the only classes that students will take throughout their schooling that will address and assess cardiovascular fitness. Without training in how and why a heart should be monitored, schools will graduate students who have inadequate knowledge and understanding of how to develop and manage a personal fitness plan.

Task

With the use of the heart rate monitors, you will explore, assess, and define the need and benefits for developing an individualized fitness program that will allow you to create your own fitness plans.

Process

Step #1 - Brainstorm

In your groups brainstorm about what it means to be physically fit. Create semantic maps of your ideas and present them to the class. Be prepared to explain your reasoning. For homework each day, respond to our PEWiki about key concepts and questions you may have about that day’s lesson. Participation in the PEWiki will count towards your final assessment.

Step #2 - Take fitness survey

* How do we as individuals determine how much physical activity is enough to achieve good health?

* What components make up a physical fitness program?

* What are the benefits of measuring a heart rate electronically?

* What factors could you name that might affect a heart rate?

* Do you know how to measure your heart rate?

* Can you name the FITT principles?

* What should every workout include?

* How much money do you think is spent each year on the problems associated with Cardiovascular Disease?

Step 3# - Fitness Concept Binder (FCB)

You will participate in lessons that require you to monitor your heart rate using the Polar Heart Rate Monitor. The information will be downloaded into the computer, and you will receive a graphic printout of your heart rate during the exercise period. You will begin to formulate a theory about what it means to be physically fit. The information gathered will be stored in a binder called the “Fitness Concept Binder” (FCB). Divide and label the information into the following sections:

1.) Daily journal (entry response to newspaper/magazine/illustrations that depict various exercises and activities - “What’s Right/Wrong with this Picture” and state the reason why you feel this way).

2.) Visuals (graphs, charts, images relevant to physical fitness)

3.) Components of physical fitness (cardiovascular, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition)

4.) Student constructed database and evaluations of the data.

Step #4 – Spreadsheet

Using the information that you gather, you will construct a spreadsheet that will allow you to evaluate, analyze and connect the information on fitness. Use Microsoft Excel or download a comparable program. Is there any data missing from your spreadsheet that needs to be considered? In groups discuss what patterns you see. Evaluate and analyze your performances. Identify your weakest areas. How are these components linked together? What conclusions can you make regarding fitness?

Step #5 – Individualized Fitness Plan

Create your individualized fitness plan. You must include the components of fitness, FITT principles, and key training methods. Use your FCB as a guide. If you need additional assistance, check out the resource page.

Step #6 - Reflection Survey

After going through the unit for the heart, take this reflection survey. Compare and contrast what you have learned through your discovery of what it means to be physically fit. Discuss in groups your findings.

Step #7 - Share

Choose a friend, relative, or family member and help them construct a personal fitness plan. Be prepared to share this information with your group and then with the class.

Conclusion

The Problem:

Statistics in the media show that heart disease is a constant and major concern in today’s society. In the United States, cardiovascular fitness continues to decline, percent body fat continues to increase, and the risk factors for heart disease are now known to exist of nearly half of the elementary children in this country” (Kirkpatrick, 1997). Physical inactivity has profound effects on a person’s well being. Inactivity will put one at risk for a number of serious conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.

The Solution:

As a result of this unit, you have learned how to develop and manage your own fitness plan. Where you go with this is up to you. Do you want a healthy life? You now have the background to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise routinely and pass it on.