Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity

Moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA) cause an increase in heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. Breathing hard and sweating lightly should occur for at least 50 percent of all physical education classes.

Engaging students in that level of physical activity requires physical educators to plan accordingly. Teaching strategies, equipment, and transition management all contribute to keeping students’ activity levels high during physical education class.

Learn how to achieve higher levels of MVPA at your school by participating in our three-part training:

• MVPA I: Spelling it Out
• MVPA II: Making it Happen
• MVPA III: Disguising Fitness

For guidance on best practices and resources, take a look at our Increasing MVPA Fact Sheet or our Increasing MVPA in Physical Education Classes Handout.

Next Step: learn how you can benefit from using health-related fitness assessments with your students.