Muevete USA Lesson Plan 3: Physical Activity and Exercise
Required Readings:
1. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html This is the CDC
guidelines for the amount of physical activity for all age groups.
2. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html Lists the benefits of
physical activity.
3. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/index.html Tips for adding physical
activity/exercise into your life.
Lesson Plan Objectives:
At the conclusion of this module, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify why physical activity/exercise is important.
2. Describe the difference between physical activity and exercise.
3. Describe the importance of incorporating physical activity and/or exercise in our daily
lives.
4. Understand the importance of heart, warm-ups, stretches, and water to the body,
especially for physical activity/exercise.
5. Understand the concept of calories in and calories out.
Material Required:
1. Handout of physical activities, exercises and workouts, Spanish versions are also on this
site. http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables/437-kids-exercise-
promote-activity-puzzle-worksheet
2. Proper exercise attire including food wear, towel and floor mat if necessary.
In Class Activities:
1. Discuss calories and how calories are used for energy.
2. Discuss what happens in our bodies with calories if we are sedentary or inactive. Mention
screen time as considered being a sedentary activity.
3. Discuss the recommendations for the amount of physical activity/exercise we need to get
daily.
4. Discuss how physical activity differs from structured exercise and the value of each to
keep moving.
5. Give examples of both physical activity and structured exercises.
6. Discuss importance of warm up, stretching and hydration to exercising.
7. Begin an activity. Examples include jump rope, jumping jacks, fast walking, running,
zumba, salsa, biking, etc.
8. Discuss the importance of cool down by stretching after an activity.
9. Give gift packets containing handouts, sports equipment, and reminders on workout
regimens.
Suggested Post Class Activities:
1. Give a pedometer and have participants wear for one week and document their steps.
2. Keep a journal of type and time spent in physical activity and exercise during one week.
3. Take stairs instead of elevator if only having to go up three floors.