In establishing and routinely re-evaluating its curriculum, a primary focus of Carlbrook has always been to foster the development of skills and strategies that students will adopt in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle long after their graduation from the school. Numerous studies cite the benefits that physical activity can have on emotional and behavioral health among adolescents (Kantomaa et al., 2008). In particular, adolescents who participate in at least one hour of physical activity each day are shown to experience lower levels of depression and psychological distress (Wiles et al., 2008). Further, regular physical activity is associated with decreased anxiety, less anger, a reduction in drug use and increase in self-esteem and academic performance (Valois et al., 2008). An adolescent’s perception about their ability to cope with problems is also shown to increase in relation to the amount of physical activity they take part in on a regular basis (Valois et al., 2008).
Carlbrook School continues to incorporate new opportunities to engage in a regular fitness program, in addition to the mandatory physical education courses that all students participate in each term. Carlbrook students are able to meet with a personal trainer during the weekend to discuss their fitness goals, as well as learn fundamental skills for incorporating regular physical activity into their personal lifestyle. Knowing how intimidating it can be for female adolescents to learn these skills amidst their male counterparts, additional opportunities are offered during the week for girls to workout and discuss their body image or self-esteem concerns privately with the personal trainer.
Recognizing that many adolescents need regular encouragement to understand and fully embrace the importance of physical fitness into their daily routine, Carlbrook School plans to continue its development of this programming into a more comprehensive component of its curriculum.
References:
Kantomaa, M.T., Tammelin, T.H., Ebeling, H.E., & Taanila, A.M. (2008). Emotional and behavioral problems in relation to physical activity in youth. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40(10), 1749-1756. DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817b8e82.
Wiles, N.J., Jones, G.T., Haase, A.M., Lawlor, D.A., Macfarlance, G.J. & Lewis, G. (2008). Physical activity and emotional problems amongst adolescents. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 43(10), 765-772. DOI: 10.1007/a00127-008-0362-9.
Valois, R.F., Umstattd, M.R., Zulug, K.J. & Paxton, R.J. (2008). Physical activity behaviors and emotional self-efficacy: Is there a relationship for adolescents? Journal for School Health, 78(6), 321-327. DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00309.x
