Summer classes

So I am scheduled to take Intro to Adapted and Outdoor Pursuits both in Pre-session. I'm getting a little worried though that one or both will be cancelled due to low enrollment. Does anybody know the minimum # of students required to carry out a course? I really need these classes so that my fall semester won't be ridiculous and so that I can graduate on time - next spring. Also, has anybody taken either of these classes during the summer? I think Outdoor Pursuits will be a lot of fun during nice weather.

Exercise with your pets

I'm posting this because I love dogs and I think if I am going to go outside and enjoy the day, my dogs also deserve to. They love walking or jogging and I think it's great company. Sometimes I like to rollerblade with them too although that can be a little dangerous. I don't do it for every single one of my workouts, but I think it's fun to incorporate my dogs into some of my exercise habits. Besides, they need exercise too -- might as well kill two birds with one stone.

Health Care

I think we are in the health care mess that we are in because Americans are getting lazier, more careless, and less healthy by the day. The number of preventable illnesses (most of which are caused by tobacco use) is a shocking 80% and they make up 90% of total healthcare costs!! Obesity is at a higher rate than it has ever been. How often do people (I've been guilty in the past) take the escalator or elevator when they are perfectly capable of taking the stairs? Or drive around and around the mall parking lot looking for a close space (when if they just parked further out and walked in they would be in their favorite stores already)? Wouldn't it be great if every single kid in the country was required to have Physical Education class 5 times a week ? If we start increasing the knowledge of youths by teaching them how to live long, healthy lifestyles then we might be able to make a better future and healthier America (and in turn decrease health care costs)! We, as (future) Physical Educators have major duties to fulfill !

Use of Jump Ropes in PE

You don't need expensive equipment like treadmills and ellipticals to get a good workout. Instead, you could use a cheap peice of rope and get an incredible cardio and full body workout. This is great for PE classes with a large amount of students because it is inexpensive and effective. There are so many different types of rope jumping activities that every student could find a fun one that suits them best. Teachers could enhance a Rope Jumping Unit by utilizing heart rate monitors and upbeat music. Questions/comments?