Smart Woman: Getting Fit

Friday, August 13th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A study conducted by the Melpomene Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota found that there is a big difference between young boys and young girls during recess time at school. Girls are not taking their recess time to play on the playground, but to sit and talk and sometimes swing. Because they don't participate in playing, many girls are lacking physical skills such as kicking, catching and throwing.

How to get girls interested and involved in sports:

 Start them early
 Make it fun
 Find a female role model
 Find the right sport for them
 Be a fan
 Emphasize enjoyment and personal involvement rather than focusing on winning

Regular physical activity in adolescence can:

 Reduce risk for obesity
 Create a higher level of confidence and self-esteem
 Enhance mental health
 Bring higher grades and standardized test scores
 Relieve stress
 Improve muscle tone

Suggested reading: The Bodywise Woman, by Judy Mahle Lutter and Lynn Jaffe.
The Right Moves: A Girl's Guide to Getting Fit and Feeling Good, by Tina Schwager, and Michele Schuerger

For more information contact:
Melpomene Institute
1010 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 642-1951
Web Site: http://www.melpomene.org