2 of 3 Kids Unfit, Reports California Fitness Exams

Carpinteria, CA – January 27, 2006 – The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) announced a solution today to the poor physical fitness scores of California students. This resolution is in response to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell's 2005 announcement (http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr05/yr05rel146.asp) that less than 30% of students tested actually passed the basic fitness levels required of students in the Golden state.

Of the six fitness areas tested, Aerobic Capacity has proven to be the most important area – recent research associates good aerobic capacity with a reduction in many health problems. Unfortunately, it made the poor showing. A breakdown of results for each fitness area showed that only about half (56 percent) of the students tested met the minimum standard for aerobic capacity – which is immediately improved upon by simply going outside for a walk, bike ride, or playing catch.

The other five testing criteria for fitness include Abdominal Strength and Endurance, Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility, Upper Body Strength and Endurance, Flexibility, and a Body Composition test as measured by a skinfold test and Body Mass Index.

"It really isn't that difficult," reported Dr. Sal Arria, CEO and founder of the International Sports Sciences Association, a leading fitness education company based in Carpinteria, Ca. "If parents cut TV and video game playing to a household minimum and put good healthy snacks in the house – removing foods that are high in fat and sugar, everyone would be better off, parents included."

"It starts in the home. With an increase in TV watching, kids are bombarded with advertising for the hottest video game and the new fat-producing snack. Parents need to be educated on good health habits, not only for their kids, but for their own health and wellness," Dr. Arria said. Those health habits include not only sound nutrition, but also a healthy dose of physical activity, be it participation in sports, daily walks, or even doing jumping jacks during commercial breaks.

The ISSA also provides fitness education for families that want to increase their own awareness of health and fitness concepts to create extraordinary results and enhance the quality of life for their families.

About ISSA

Since 1988 the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided certification and continuing education to nearly 75,000 fitness professionals. ISSA certifications are recognized worldwide. From Sports Conditioning to Youth Fitness, ISSA offers 10 certification programs and dozens of continuing education courses. For more information on the ISSA, please visit: www.issaonline.com

To schedule an interview with a representative of ISSA, please contact:

Sabeen Sadiq
Director of Public Relations for the ISSA
Email: ssadiq@issaonline.com
Toll-free: 1-800-892-4772
International: (805) 884-8111

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