With the obesity epidemic plaguing America, the study of body composition and different methods of combating this disease is growing in importance. In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey it was found that "2 in 3 US adults are overweight and 31% of US adults are obese."(Anderson, p39) If college students remain uninformed on what constitutes and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this number will continue to rise. A study was conducted by Dana Avans of Sam Houston State University to determine students" basic fitness knowledge, testing kinesiology majors and non-kinesiology majors. Over 90 percent of the students answered questions pertaining to body composition and cardiovascular endurance incorrectly (Avans, pA-4). .
Introduction.
What can be done with an education on personal health if there are no opportunities to apply that knowledge to life? Facilities are a crucial factor in improving the health of the nation. The goal of the fitness field is to provide a place where people enjoy going on a regular basis to work out. Maintaining these facilities and creating the necessary environment is the constant challenge facing managers today. From equipment, to programs, to trainers, periodic updates are always necessary to keep the interest of the participants. After background research, interviews with certified trainers, and surveys of college students, some solutions and conclusions were found concerning the prominence of obesity in America.
Physical Environment, Individual Perception and Social Interaction: What Influences Participation in Physical Activity? .
Competition with other means of leisure activities poses a constant problem for promoting recreational facilities. With the luxury of having everything just a click away on the Internet, television, or telephone, people can virtually live in their house without ever needing to leave-or even move from the couch.
