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TAbLE 7-3 Examples of Effective and Promising Single-Component 
Approaches to Increase Physical Activity in Youth
Approach 
Examples
Physical Education
•
Physical education requirements
— Quality curriculum
— Required minutes of vigorous- or moderate-
intensity physical activity 
— Monitoring and enforcement
— Elimination of exemptions
•
Teacher certification
•
Class size restrictions
•
Adequate environment, facilities, and equipment
•
Integrated curriculum
•
Fitness testing and reporting
Classroom Physical Activity/
Reduction of Sedentary Behavior 
•
Active learning lessons
•
Activity breaks during lessons
•
Environmental modifications (e.g., standing desks)
•
Modified sitting (e.g., balls)
Recess
•
Recess requirements/policy
— Time
— Supervision
— Not taken away for punishment
•
Environment/equipment
School Sports/After-School 
Programs
•
Access
•
Policies
— Low cost
— Transportation provided
•
Supervision
•
Program criteria
Active Transport
•
Policies
•
Educational programs
•
Infrastructure improvements
— School (e.g., bike racks)
— Community (e.g., sidewalks)
Joint-Use Agreements
•
Policies
— Allowing access
— Reducing liability
•
Increased awareness
NOTE: As discussed in the text, multicomponent interventions with a whole-of-school focus 
that include two or more of these single-component approaches have the potential to be 
more effective and sustainable in increasing vigorous- or moderate-intensity physical activity 
in youth. 

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Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School
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