Enhancing Youth Fitness Starts at Home: A Focus on Youth Sports
In a recent address, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of prioritizing health within educational frameworks. He advocated for strengthening physical education in schools, promoting a balanced growth of cultural learning and physical exercise among young people, and helping students find joy in sports, improve their fitness, develop strong character, and build resilience. This article marks the beginning of a series called “Focus on Youth Sports,” exploring how various stakeholders are motivating young people to actively engage in physical activities, strengthening their bodies and spirit.
Integrating Physical Activity into Family Life
Reporter: Ji Fang
The benefits of regular physical activity for both physical and mental health are increasingly recognized. In recent years, schools and families have collaborated to explore new methods of encouraging youth sports.
This summer, a third-grade student named Xiaoyu from Tianjin set a personal exercise plan: 200 jump ropes each morning and an hour of activities in the community park each afternoon, along with bi-weekly badminton and cheerleading sessions. “The school assigned physical homework and provided a ‘Student Family Physical Activity Guidance and Evaluation Form,'” Xiaoyu’s mother shared. “My child has always loved sports, and completing the daily exercise plan gives them a sense of accomplishment. With more exercise over the summer, they’re in great shape.”
Schools are assigning physical tasks to motivate students while also encouraging parents to join in, creating a supportive atmosphere for sports at home.
Research from the National Sports Administration indicates that the overall physical health of youth in China is improving, with enhancements in flexibility, strength, speed, and endurance noted in certain age groups. However, problems such as myopia, obesity, and poor posture remain prominent, often emerging at an earlier age, which affects healthy development.
Engaging in regular physical activity is an effective way to enhance young people’s fitness levels and overall health. Experts advise that middle and high school students should strive for a total of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to counteract the negative impacts of prolonged sitting. A certain intensity of exercise positively influences a young person’s physical capabilities, cognitive functions, and mental well-being.
Encouraging youth to play outside, enjoy sports, and develop exercise habits requires a collective effort. Wu Jian, Director of the Institute of Sports and Aesthetic Education Research at the Chinese Academy of Education Sciences, emphasizes the need for synergistic initiatives among families, schools, and society to recognize the importance of physical activity for the healthy and comprehensive development of young people.
Song Wei, Director of the Sports Journalism Department at Beijing Sport University, highlights that interest is the best motivator. He believes young people should genuinely feel the joy of sports to find the motivation to stick with it. Schools and families should be aware of youth interests and encourage them to explore a variety of sports, guiding them to find and commit to activities they love. Additionally, personalized exercise plans and goals can help foster consistent exercise habits.
Scientific guidance is crucial for youth engaging in physical exercise. Wang Xueqiang, a doctoral advisor at Shanghai University of Sport, underscores that when young people choose activities, they should consider their individual characteristics and abilities. For example, adolescents with overweight issues might prioritize aerobic exercises, such as swimming, to aid in weight loss while avoiding high-impact activities that could strain their knees or ankles.
Reducing issues like myopia and childhood obesity is essential. The National Sports Administration is actively working on fitness guidelines and interventions aimed at addressing these concerns. They are developing educational materials, including “Myopia Prevention Exercises” and “Spinal Health Exercises.” In Rizhao, Shandong, a spinal health management program for youths is being prioritized, while in Changzhou, Jiangsu, local authorities are integrating sports, education, and health resources to conduct spinal health screenings and offer weight-loss camps for students.
Zhang Xin, Director of the Competitiveness Division of the National Sports Administration, stated that youth health is foundational for national development and the future of the nation. The administration remains committed to the “health first” principle, leveraging sports to promote the healthy growth of young individuals.
According to Olympic champion Yang Yang, sports play an essential role in youth development, helping them face challenges, learn from experiences, integrate into teams, and improve their collaboration skills. “Sports should be a core component of youth growth, deeply and diversely embedded in daily life,” Yang asserted.
