Program Divisions & Components

Divisions (50 min workshop)

• THEORETICAL
  Scientific, Psychological & Social
• PRACTICAL
  Muscular/Strength & Cardiovascular Conditioning
  
  

Components (50 min workshop)

• THEORETICAL
  - Scientific
     Anatomy, Physiology, Fitness/Conditioning, Nutrition
  - Psychological
     Biological, Behavioral and Trait Approaches
  - Social
     Cognition, Attitude & Influence
  - Disease
     Types, Prevention, Statistics
  
  
• PRACTICAL
  - Muscular/Strength
     Anaerobic Conditioning (Muscular Resistance Exercise)
  - Cardiovascular
     Aerobic Conditioning (Cardiovascular Endurance)
  

Program Contents (click here for 50 min workshop)
The program contents of the scientific component were designed to compliment and briefly reiterate current guidelines of Physical Education Curriculums in North America. The psychological and social components are unique to the AHWP and directly relate to, and are supported in the contents of the scientific component. Many of the theoretical aspects introduced in the scientific, psychological and social components are also integrated into each individual practical component, allowing students to acquire a more extensive working knowledge of the program content.

The practical component encourages regular, vigorous activity to develop the most significant aspects of physical fitness such as flexibility, speed, strength, power and cardiovascular respiratory endurance. Muscle conditioning is primarily achieved through active resistance exercise (with a major emphasis on exercise technique) such as body weight, free weights, elastic and manual resistance. Cardiovascular conditioning will be sufficiently vigorous to sustain a pulse rate of between 150 and 180 beats per minute for a duration of at least 6-8 minutes. The diversity of cardiovascular conditioning will include activities such as calisthenics, walking, climbing and running depending on the intensity required to achieve a particular pulse rate.

• SCIENTIFIC
  - Anatomy (structure)
     Skeletal, Muscular & Nervous Systems
  - Physiology (function)
     Cardiovascular, Muscular & Respiratory Systems
  - Anaerobic & Aerobic Conditioning
     Metabolism, Adaptation & Energy Systems
  - Nutrition
     Macronutrients, Micronutrients & Calories
  
  
• PSYCHOLOGICAL
  - Biological
     Brain Chemicals & Hormones
  - Behavioral
     Instrumental Conditioning
  - Trait
     Identifying Traits
  
  
• SOCIAL
  - Cognition
     Self Perception & Self Esteem
  - Attitude
     Evaluation
  - Influence
     Facilitation & Loafing
  

• DISEASE
  - Types
     Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, etc.
  - Prevention
     Organizations, Methods, Guidelines, Influence
  - Statistics
     Current Health Statistics (Canada/US)
  

Curriculum Connection (50 min workshop)
Why A.H.W.P ?
The AHWP is intended to compliment the core Physical Education Curriculums developed in various states and provinces by the authoritative Ministries of Education. However, the program is unique primarily through its focus. Although non-locomotor and manipulative skills (heavily emphasized in elementary school PE programs) are very important in the developmental stages of movement, they are very poor indicators and skills needed in maintaining long-term health. Motor and cardiovascular abilities still persist as the most important and effective skills needed as children and adults to maintain personal health and fitness. Accordingly, the AHWP has two major initiatives: 1) The first is developing motor related competence in areas such as speed, strength and power; and 2) The second is enhancing cardiovascular respiratory endurance. The efficacy in developing both motor and cardiovascular abilities to prevent disease, is well documented in the scientific community. By informing children and equipping them with these essential physical capabilities, we may eventually reduce the ongoing health risks associated with the surplus of inactive teens and adults.

Evaluation (not utilized in 50 minute workshop)
The formal evaluation process focuses on each student's efforts in relation to program objectives. A pre-instruction exam (benchmark value before learning) is given to all students so that valuable comparisons, such as learning curves, may be statistically derived from pre/post instruction results. A final exam will be given in both divisions of the program to assess both the theoretical and practical working knowledge. Depending on the results of each class, teachers may determine whether or not they wish to integrate AHWP into the final results of student report cards.

The following PDF is an example of results after the completion of the AHWP on elementary school students grades 6-8.

More Information
For further information on the Active Health & Wellness Program, if you would like to bring the program to your school or organization, or if would like to become a sponsor of the AHWP, please email us.