Alberta Centre for Active Living
Keyword: "fitness"

 

Action Pages! A Physical Activity, Physical Education & Healthy Eating Resource Guide

Action Schools! BC; Premier's Sport Awards Program

PDF file, 229 pages
Published:
Sep 2010
GeoOrigin: British Columbia

This is a user-friendly resource to link teachers, youth coaches, and community instructors with the multitude of resources available across Canada to support healthy and active school communities.

A hard copy is also available at the Centre Library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1311.

Keywords: children, youth, schools, fitness, healthy eating, safety

 

Active Aging Fitness Practitioner Certificate

Grand Prairie Regional College

GeoOrigin: Alberta

Fitness leadership for older adults is a field with a future: people are living longer, the ‘boomer’ generation is moving into its senior years, and there is more awareness of the link between physical activity, wellness & healthy aging. Be in the forefront of this industry by completing your studies at GPRC in this new Active Aging Fitness Practitioner Certificate.

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

Active Body Adventure: Interactive Fitness Education for Grades 4-6

44 pages
Published: 2006
GeoOrigin: Alberta

This handbook is designed to provide the information needed for teachers to support students in their pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1232

Keywords: children, fitness, schools, guidelines, workbooks

 

Active Video Games: A Good Way to Exercise?

Alberta Centre for Active Living

PDF file, 4 pages
Published:
Aug 2009
GeoOrigin: Alberta

In recent years, a new type of video game has emerged: the active video game, which gets people out of their seats and moving around as they play the game. Wii and other active gaming products have become incredibly popular.

This WellSpring covers the following topics:

  • Types of active video game products
  • The outcomes of active video games: what the research says so far
  • What we still need to learn
  • How these games can help us

Keywords: behaviour change, dance, children, youth, fitness

 

Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription - 4th Edition

369 pages
Published: 2002
GeoOrigin: International

This textbook discusses physical fitness assessment and program development.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--General, ID #1211

Keywords: fitness, assessments, programs

 

Are the Attitudes of Exercise Instructors Who Work With Older Adults Influenced by Training and Personal Characteristics?

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

5 pages
Published:
Jan 2012
GeoOrigin: International

Hawley, H., Skelton, D. A., Campbell, M., & Todd, C. (2012). Are the Attitudes of Exercise Instructors Who Work With Older Adults Influenced by Training and Personal Characteristics?. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 20, 47-63.

Keywords: fitness

 

Be Fit for Life Network

Be Fit for Life

GeoOrigin: Alberta

Be Fit for Life (BFFL) Network includes nine regional centres that provide services, programs, education and resources to promote Albertans to more physically activity.

They work with schools, workplaces and the community. Connect with your local BFFL today!

Keywords: fitness, communities, tools

 

Be Taller, Stronger, Longer! A Home Exercise Program for Individuals Living with Osteoporosis

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada

9 pages
Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: National

This brochure illustrates a low intensity introductory program of 15 basic exercises which will improve your flexibility, stamina, strength and posture.

This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity) [file cabinet], ID #699

Keywords: Osteoporosis, fitness, programs

 

Current Comments Available From ACSM

American College of Sports Medicine

GeoOrigin: International

Current Comments are fact sheets on a variety of health and fitness topics, including exercise, older adults, youth, chronic diseases, prevention, sports, and much more.

Keywords: chronic diseases, fitness

 

Effect of Resistance Training on Bone Strength in Women: A Quantitative Review

Alberta Centre for Active Living

html file, 2 pages
Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: Alberta

Because of its potential for promoting bone growth, physical activity can help prevent osteoporosis.

Quantitative reviews have found that exercise interventions, including mainly aerobic or weight-bearing activities, are effective in promoting bone growth in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

This Research Update article focused on a quantitative review of resistance training and bone strength literature (including both published and unpublished studies).

Keywords: fitness, bone health, women

 

Examining the Prevalence of Today's Chronic Diseases - How Did We Get Here?

Alberta Centre for Active Living

pdf file, 2 pages
Published:
Mar 2010
GeoOrigin: Alberta

This Research Update article explores the root causes of current health epidemics, such as the rise in obesity, through examining historical trends that have led to an increasingly sedentary society.

Keywords: communities, obesity, chronic disease, built environment, fitness, urban design, research

 

Exercise and Depression

Black Dog Institute

PDF file, 4 pages
Published:
Nov 2008
GeoOrigin: International

This excellent fact sheet explains how physical activity might help in managing depression.

The fact sheet covers:

  • Evidence for the benefits of exercise in managing depression
  • How exercise helps depression
  • Role of exercise in treating depression
  • Other benefits of exercise
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Getting started and where to get help

Keywords: depression, benefits, mental health, fitness

 

Exercise: A Video from the National Institute on Aging

National Institute on Aging

Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: International

A research-based exercise program (for adults 50+) from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (which includes the National Institute on Aging). A manual is also available for use with the video. Revised ed. (48 min)

This resource is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity), ID #722

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

Families Finding the Balance: A Parent Handbook

26 pages
Published: 2005
GeoOrigin: International

This resource outline why overweight is a problem for children as well as adults in the US. It teaches about energy balance and provides tips to parents to help kids eat right and be more physically active.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity [file cabinet], ID #1250

Keywords: obesity/overweight, families, fitness, healthy eating, handbooks

 

Fitness After 50

Human Kinetics

236 pages
Published: 2006
GeoOrigin: International

Whether you are completely new to exercise or are looking to fine-tune your existing program, this information-rich book will show you how to get started, stay on track, and have fun as you meet your fitness goals.

This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity), ID #1124

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

Fundamental Movement Skills: Active Start and Fundamentals Stage

64 pages
Published: 2008
GeoOrigin: National

This is a handbook for generalists and physical education teachers, as well as others tasked with teaching motor skill development.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1225

Keywords: children, youth, sport, fitness

 

Get Physical

Canadian Mental Health Association

GeoOrigin: National

This article identifies the psychological benefits of physical activity for mental health.

Find out what role exercise plays in preventing and treating anxiety and depression, elevating mood and enhancing self-esteem.

Keywords: benefits, mental health, depression, fitness

 

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Helping Your Child

18 pages
Published: 2006
GeoOrigin: International

This resource shows parents how to help their children benefit from healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity [file cabinet], ID #1245

Keywords: obesity/overweight, families, strategies, healthy eating, fitness

 

Healthy Hearts: Physical Activity, Fitness & Obesity in Alberta Youth

Alberta Centre for Active Living

pdf file, 2 pages
Published:
Mar 2010
GeoOrigin: Alberta

This Research Update article highlights a study that assesses physical activity, fitness, body mass index and insulin sensitivity in youth aged 9 to 15 years. The Healthy Hearts research project is a school-based study conducted in seven rural communities in central Alberta.

Keywords: fitness, body mass index, youth, diabetes, obesity, rural, research

 

Healthy U

Government of Alberta

GeoOrigin: Alberta

Healthy U is a public information and education website to support and encourage Albertans to lead healthier lifestyles by providing them with access to information on healthy eating and active living. The website has three sections where you can find general information and tips on:

  • Active Living.
  • Healthy Eating.
  • Healthy Places (Workplace, Schools, Communities).

You will also find access to various resources and tools, Alberta's nutrition guidelines and information about funding for community activities. Great website for your clients, patients, family and even yourself.

Keywords: benefits, tools, guidelines, fitness

 

I've Been Physically Active About Three Times Per Week for the Past Three Months. How Can I Tell If I Am Improving?

Alberta Centre for Active Living

Published:
Sep 2007
GeoOrigin: Alberta

Lists factors that may indicate initial success after following a physical exercise program for a short time. Discusses tools to measure progress, and goal adjustment. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Keywords: benefits, fitness, motivation, physical activity

 

Knowledge Translation: Advances in Exercise Physiology Research

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

Published: 2007
GeoOrigin: National

Here are some quick, easy-to-read briefs on a variety of hot topics concerning physical activity and research recommendation.

Topics are:

  • Children and Resistance Training
  • Physical Activity and Obesity in Children: Summary Statement and Recommendations
  • Can You Be Fit and Fat?
  • Exercise and Medication
  • Sudden Cardiac Death: Allaying the Fear to Exercise
  • Fitness Training in Preparation for Cancer Treatment
  • plus new ones are often being posted, so check it regularly!

Keywords: children, youth, fitness, healthy weight, obesity, cancer

 

Level of daily physical activity in individuals with COPD compared with healthy controls

Respiratory Research

9 pages
Published:
Mar 2011
GeoOrigin: International

Vorrink, S.N.W., Kort, H.S.M., Troosters, T., & Lammers, J.(2011). Level of daily physical activity in individuals with COPD compared with healthy controls. Respiratory research, 12, 33-40. doi:10.1186/1465-9921-12-33

Keywords: repiratory diseases, fitness

 

Low-Volume, High-Intensity Interval Training: A Practical Fitness Strategy

Alberta Centre for Active Living

PDF file, 4 pages
Published:
Aug 2012
GeoOrigin: Alberta

This WellSpring article offers insights into low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIIT); a strategy that has emerged in recent years as a potent and practical exercise alternative. For many types of practitioners, low-volume HIIT may be an attractive and realistic option they can offer or promote to clients, to help encourage physical activity and increased fitness levels.

Keywords: fitness

 

Motivating Fitness Participants

Be Fit For Life Network

55 pages
Published: 2000
GeoOrigin: Alberta

This provides fitness leaders the strategies needed to keep their participants' active and contains ideas, handouts, inventories and checklists that can be used in leaders' fitness classes.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Adherence [file cabinet], ID #716

Keywords: motivation, fitness, tools

 

Norms for Fitness, Performance, and Health

Human Kinetics

220 pages
Published: 2006
GeoOrigin: International

Norms for Fitness, Performance, and Health presents data for numerous fitness components, including strength, endurance, anaerobic and aerobic capacity and power, body composition, flexibility, speed, and agility, as well as data for various health norms.

This resource is also available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Measurement, ID #1125

Keywords: fitness, indicators

 

Physical Activity and Bone Health

Human Kinetics

275 pages
Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: International

This book provides a handy, trusted guidebook for those who choose to explore the frontiers of bone health.

This resource is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Research, ID #669

Keywords: research, osteoporosis, fitness, falls prevention

 

Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults

Human Kinetics

405 pages
Published: 2005
GeoOrigin: International

This is the first book to detail the fundamental knowledge and skills associated with the training modules outlined in the International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults.

This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults, ID #987

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

Preparing Older Adults for Physical Demands of Travel Adventures

Alberta Centre for Active Living

PDF file, 4 pages
Published:
Apr 2013
GeoOrigin: Alberta

For older adults who are planning trips and adventures, it’s important to prepare well for travel-related physical activities and demands. This WellSpring article offers recommendations on how practitioners can help older adults physically prepare for travel adventures, to get the most out of the experiences.

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

Report of the Expert Panel for the Children's Fitness Credit

41 pages
Published: 2006
GeoOrigin: National

This report contains recommendations made to the Government of Canada regarding the Children's Fitness Tax Credit.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #1234

Keywords: children, fitness, report, government

 

Resistance Training Is an Effective Tool against Metabolic and Frailty Syndromes

Advances in Preventive Medicine

7 pages
Published:
Dec 2011
GeoOrigin: International

Sundell, J. (2011). Resistance training is an effective tool against metabolic and frailty syndromes. Advances in Preventive Medicine. doi:10.4061/2011/984683

Keywords: osteoporosis, fitness

 

Senior Fitness Test Kit

161 pages
Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: International

This manual presents information needed to understand the purpose of the Seniors Fitness Test (SFT). It describes how to administer and interpret the test results.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Group--Older Adults, ID #1268

Keywords: older adults, fitness, programs, healthy aging

 

Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement

Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement

GeoOrigin: Alberta

The Steadward Centre offers a variety of programs for children, youth and adults. The following physical activity and sport programs are offered:

  • Adapted Fitness Programs for Adults.
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Children and Youth Programs (the CAGE).
  • Athlete Development.
  • MS Active NOW.

Keywords: disabilities, adults, fitness, functional mobility, programs, research, sports, strength training, stretching

 

Strategies to Keep People Exercising After They Finish a Chronic Condition Exercise Program (CCEP)

Alberta Centre for Active Living

PDF file, 4 pages
Published:
Apr 2009
GeoOrigin: Alberta

Many health care providers and organizations are now offering chronic condition exercise programs (CCEPs). And for good reason. Exercise helps people with chronic health conditions to manage these conditions and improve their quality of life.

This WellSpring identifies promising strategies for how to keep people exercising after they finish a CCEP.

The following topics are covered:

  • Chronic condition exercise programs (CCEPs): An overview
  • The problem: Exercise drops off after the CCEP ends
  • The search for practices to improve exercise maintenance
  • Promising practices for exercise counselling
  • Other tips for your own CCEP

Keywords: chronic disease, quality of life, older adults, fitness

 

Study of the Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in California Using 2004 Test Results

Department of Education, State of California

9 pages
Published:
Apr 2005
GeoOrigin: International

This study confirms a strong positive relationship between fitness scores and academic achievement scores.

Keywords: fitness, indicators, children, youth

 

Tackling Obesity by Creating Healthy Residential Environments

96 pages
Published: 2007
GeoOrigin: International

This is a review of the literature on relationships between the residential environment, physical activity and obesity.

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity, ID #1249

Keywords: obesity/overweight, built environment, research, fitness, policies

 

The Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Girls and Women: Literature Review and Recommendations for Future Research and Policy

British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health

206 pages
Published: 2000
GeoOrigin: British Columbia

This is a literature review that tackled the complex relationship between health and physical activity in the context of girls and women's lives through a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach. Future research strategies and policy implications to support and improve the health and well-being of girls and women are identified.

Series Title - Women's Health Reports

A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Girls/Women, ID #685

Keywords: health benefits, fitness, research, policies

 

Viactive Aquatique

Kino Quebec

20 pages
Published: 2001
GeoOrigin: Quebec

This resource, part of the Viactive program developed by Kino-Quebec and the Federation de l'age d'or du Quebec, consists of nine laminated placards that leaders can use to teach aquafitness classes for seniors.

NOTE: THE BOOKLET IS ENTIRELY IN FRENCH.

This resource is no longer online. You can find a hard copy in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity), ID #770

Keywords: fitness, older adults

 

Weight Lifting for Older Adults

Carleton University, Physical Recreation and Athletics

74 pages
Published: 1999
GeoOrigin: National

This course concentrates on the strength-building and flexibility-improvement aspect of fitness. It also promotes a regular walking program, for muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, bone strength and the maintenance of a healthy weight and two sections on basic nutrition.

Revised ed. A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Older Adults (Physical Activity) [file cabinet], ID #696

Keywords: fitness, healthy eating, walking

 

Welcome Back Fitness Toolkit

International Council on Active Aging

Published: 2007
GeoOrigin: International

The International Council on Active Aging’s Welcome Back to Fitness toolkit can help older adults get back into a fitness regime, whether at home, at a club, with a personal trainer or on their own.

The toolkit is available on the ICAA website and features topics such as

  • how to get started
  • questions to ask your doctor before getting started
  • age-friendly equipment and physical activities
  • what to look for in a trainer

An age-friendly fitness and wellness facilities locator (in United States and Canada) is also available.

Keywords: older adults, fitness

 

What Certifications Do I Need to Work in the Fitness Industry?

Alberta Centre for Active Living

Published:
Sep 2007
GeoOrigin: Alberta

Provides details of certifications needed in Canada, and where and how to obtain them. Includes links to related sources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Keywords: exercise professionals, frequently asked questions, fitness