How does physical activity relate to physical fitness in youth?
Professionals in physical education need to be aware of the effect of heredity on physical activity and fitness. Bouchard and Perusse (1994) reported that biological inheritance accounts for substantial components of physical activity behaviors and health-related fitness factors. Biological inheritance was reportedly associated with approximately 29% of habitual physical activity, 25% of cardiorespiratory fitness, 30% of muscular fitness, and 25% of percent body fat. While inheritance plays a role in the physical activity behaviors and health-related physical fitness, most of the variation in these variables can be modified for positive health outcomes. Thus, regular physical activity as a result of involvement in sound physical education programs can make an important contribution to physical fitness. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that not all students will be equally successful even if exposed to regular physical activity. Meta-analysis evidence suggests pre-pubescent chil
