Helping At-Risk Youth Through Physical Fitness Programming

Substance abuse. Violence. Truancy. These are just a few of the problem behaviors that at-risk youth are likely to exhibit. While many strategies for changing these behaviors have been tested, few have proven successful. But this book gives you an effective tool—physical training—and reveals how to use it as an intervention for at-risk youth.

Based on the First Choice fitness program that has been used successfully across the country, Helping At-Risk Youth Through Physical Fitness Programming explains how a physical training program works and how it can benefit youth. Not only does this unique program help young people increase their fitness levels; it also teaches them to choose concrete goals, develop the discipline necessary to achieve them, and become responsible members of society.

Part I provides the rationale for using physical training programs with at-risk youth. It includes descriptions of a progression of programs developed by the author along with the results of those programs and the conclusions drawn from them.

Part II outlines how to deliver a physical training program by describing each of the five program components:

? Health screening and fitness assessment

? Structured exercise classes

? Educational programming

? Teaching values and motivating behavior change

? Support programming for adherence

The chapters include sample forms and fitness exercises plus specific guidelines for successful program implementation.

Part III addresses organizational issues and offers detailed information on staff selection and training, program planning, and program administration.

Whether you're searching for a main program to use with at-risk youth or an introductory program to prepare them for other types of services, you'll find this complete manual indispensable. The guidelines it provides will help you effectively implement a physical training program and make a positive, lasting impact on young people's lives.