Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Psychology has an important part to play in the teaching and practice of physical education and sport, and this volume, originally published in 1972, provided a systematic and authoritative introduction to the major areas in this field at the time. The contributors, leading experts in the UK and US, cover five major areas of psychology: perception, learning, personality, motivation and emotion, focusing attention on important current research of the time, and opening up these areas for the serious student. They review controversial issues of central importance in physical education and sport, pointing to practical implications for learning, teaching and coaching. A great opportunity to read an early take on what has become a central part of physical education and sport today.

A wide variety of psychological factors appear to influence participation in physical activity among adults. Much of our current understanding can be summarized by stating that beliefs and perceptions that are not personal in nature, such as knowledge about exercise, personality traits, and general attitudes, are weakly related to behaviour. Personal beliefs about ones own physical activities are usually found to be significant influences on physical activity. Understanding the psychological factors that influence physical activity may help improve the effectiveness of physical activity intervention programmes. The present volume provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological basis of physical education. It reviews the role of psychological factors such as personality, motivation, anxiety and performance, and goal setting in sports. It also takes an in-depth lock at the individual difference factors that affect behaviour in sport and physical activity contexts. It is an invaluable companion to all professional, students and teachers in the field.

This text provides a comprehensive view of sport and exercise psychology with the latest research on grit, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, cultural diversity, substance abuse, exercise adherence, ethics, professional issues, and transitions in sport.

As modern lifestyles offer ever more opportunities for a sedentary existence, physical activity has become, for many, a marginal aspect of life. Too little physical activity is linked to common, often serious, health problems, and although this link is now widely acknowledged, levels of sedentary behaviour continue to increase throughout western society. Psychology of Physical Activity, 2nd Edition addresses this concern, bringing together a wealth of up to date information about exercise behaviour including: motivation and psychological factors associated with activity or inactivity the psychological outcomes of exercising including the 'feel–good' factor understanding specific clinical populations interventions and applied practice in the psychology of physical activity current trends and future directions in research and practice. Updated to reflect new findings and research directions, this new edition includes full textbook features, and is accompanied by a dedicated website providing lecturers and students with extensive support materials, including powerpoint slides and student MCQ's. Visit the companion website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415366656.

The fourth edition of Advances in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides advanced psychology students with a thorough examination and critical analysis of the current research in sport and exercise psychology.